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EXERCISES 

ON THE 

MORNING AND EVENING SERVICES 

OF 

THE CHURCH; 

FOR THE INSTRUCTION OF YOUNG PERSONS. 



BY THE LATE 

REV. B. E/NICHOLLS, M.A. 

CURATE OF ST. JOHN'S, WALTHAMSTOW; 
AUTHOR OP " BOOK OF PROVERBS EXPLAINED AND ILLUSTRATED 
FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE." 



" We should be very solicitous rightly to apprehend the sense and fitness of 
what we say and do in God's presence." — Archbishop Secker. 




LONDON: 

Printed for the 

SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE; 

SOLD x\T THE DEPOSITORY, 
GREAT QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS, 
NO. 4, ROYAL EXCHANGE; 
AND BY ALL BOOKSELLERS. 



SUNDAY 



[448] 



1847. 

1 



ON THE MANNER OF USING THE EXERCISES. 



In suggesting a hint as to the manner of using this little 
book, it may be remarked, that it is intended to assist those $ 
who would endeavour to impress young persons with a 
right apprehension of the sense and fitness of what they 
say, and do, and hear, in the Morning and Evening Ser- 
vices of our Church, so that they may perform public wor- 
ship with understanding — to the glory of God, and their 
eternal good. 

The plan which may be adopted is this : — Young persons 
should first read the part on which they are about to be in- 
structed, and then the teacher should proceed with the ques- 
tions, allowing them to answer by a reference to the Prayer- 
booh and Bible, both of which, it is presumed, they all will 
be of an age to possess. As a danger to be carefully avoided 
is that of presenting too much at once to young people's 
attention, the teacher should at first content himself with 
asking only such of the questions as will lead them to a 
general view of the Service. Some assistance is given him 
for accomplishing this task by the use of larger and smaller 
types, the former being employed to show the parts which ; 
require attention first. But omissions to a greater extent 
than the passages in small type may be found very desir - 
able, on the first time of going through the exercises. 



Gilbert & Rivington, Printers, St. John's Square, London. 



SUNDAY EXERCISES, 

Sfc. 



MORNING SERVICE. 

In the order for Morning Prayer, we first meet with 
a direction to the Minister how to begin the service, 
printed in what are called Italic letters. This, and 
other directions like it, standing at the head of the 
several parts of the Church Service, and which relate 
to the manner of conducting it, are called the Rubrics, 
because they were formerly printed in red letters, and 
the word Rubric means red. The services being 
conducted according to these directions, you should 
attend to them, that with decency and in order you 
may join with other people, and bear your share in 
every thing that is done. 

What are the Rubrics ? — Why should they be at- 
tended to? (See 1 Cor. xiv. 40.) 

{Let the first Rubric be read.) 

What is the Minister to read at the beginning of 
Morning Prayers ? 

THE INTRODUCTORY SENTENCES. 

{Let them be read.) 

From what are all these sentences taken, and why ? 
a 2 



4 



The Exhortation. 



(Because, as the very words of God, they are best 
fitted to make us attentive and serious.) — To what 
duty do they particularly direct us? (Sorrow for sin, 
the confessing, and the forsaking of it.) 



THE EXHORTATION. 

The Exhortation is an Address of the Minister to 
the congregation, further to enforce the duty to which 
they have just been directed by the Introductory Sen- 
tences, and thus to prepare for the General Confession 
of Sin, which immediately follows it. 

For what is this exhortation intended to prepare us? 

(Let the Exhortation be read.) 

- — How does the Minister here speak to the congrega- 
tion to show his regard for them ? — To what does the 
Scripture move or direct us ? — What is meant by 
'sundry?' (Several.) — What are our sins said to be? 
— What is meant by 6 manifold ?' (Of many kinds, and 
many in number.) — What ' should we not dissemble 
nor cloke before God?' — What is it to 6 dissemble or 
cloke ?' (To hide.) — With what heart should we con- 
fess our sins? — c Penitent,' what is that? (Sorrowful 
for past sins.) — What is meant by ' an obedient heart/ 
in the confession of sin? (A heart fully resolved to ^ 
forsake sin, and lead a life of obedience to all God's 
commands.) — We confess our sins before God, — what 
to obtain? — By what? — At what times ought we to 
confess our sins before God ? — but when ' most 
chiefly ?' — ' Assemble and meet together,' when ? 
(As now, in public worship.) — What for? — Tour par- 
ticulars are mentioned for which we meet together in 



J 



The Exhortation. 



5 



public worship, what are they ? — What 6 to render,' 
and why ? — What 6 to set forth ?'— What c to hear ? — 
What 6 to ask ?' — Assembled for these solemn purposes, 
whom does the Minister pray and beseech ? — What 
to do ? — With what heart ? — And voice ? — Where ? 

SCRIPTURAL ILLUSTRATIONS, &C. 

{Let the young Person refer to the Bible, in order to answer the 
following Questions.) 

Dearly beloved, fyc. — How does St. Paul speak to the Philip- 
pians ? (ch. iv. 1.) 

The Scripture moveth, fyc. — How does St. John direct us to 
the confession of sin? (1 John i. 8, 9.) 

Our manifold sins, 8fc. — How does St. James tell us we of- 
fend ? (James iii. 2. In many things.) What does David say 
to the same effect? (Psalm xix. 12. Who can tell how oft 1 , &c.) 

Dissemble and cloke, SfC. — How did Gehazi hide his sin ? 
(2 Kings v. 20 — 27.) And Cain? (Gen.iv. 9.) And Adam and 
Eve? (Gen. 

Humble, lowly, penitent heart, SfC. — Explain this from what 
the publican said and did. (Luke xviii. 13.) 

Obedient heart, §*c. — Show what is meant by this from what 
the prodigal did. (Luke xv. 18 — 20. He arose and went, &c.) 

Assemble, and meet together, fyc. — Mention a text on the several 
duties — (i.) Of thanksgiving. (Eph. v. 20. Giving thanks 
always.)— (ii.) Of praise. (Psalm c. 4. Enter into his gates, 
&c.) — (iii.) Of hearing God's word. (Rom. x. 17. Faith com eth 
by hearing.) — (iv.) Of petition. (Matt. vii. 7. Ask, and ye, &c.) 
— What does St. Paul tell the Hebrews not to forget? (Heb. 
x. 25. The assembling, &c.) 

Requisite, 8$c.,for body. — Show from Agur's prayer, what, as 
to this world's goods, is best for us. (Prov. xxx. 8.) 

And for the soul. — In what does our Lord sum up all good 
things for the soul? (Luke xi. 13. The Holy Spirit.) — How 
does our Lord declare the superior worth of the soul ? (Matt. 
xvi. 26. What is a man, &c.) 

A pure heart, tyc. — How does our Lord teach us to worship 
God ? (John iv. 24. In spirit and in truth.) 

Throne of Grace. — St. Paul (Heb. iv. 16) invites the Hebrews 
to come boldly to the throne of grace. On what does he teach 
them this boldness is founded? (Heb. x. 19. The merits of 
Christ.) And with what should it be accompanied ? (Heb, xii. 28. 
With reverence and godly fear.) 



1 Prayer-book translation. 
A 3 



(3 



The Confession. 



THE GENERAL CONFESSION. 

Confession of sin is properly made the first act of 
public worship, because sin unrepented of renders 
every other act of worship vain. 

What makes every other act of worship vain ? 
{Psalm lxvi. 18. If I regard iniquity in my heart, &c.) 

{Read the Rubric.) 

— It is called a general confession, why? (Because 
it is to be said of the whole congregation.) 

{Read the Confession.) 

By what titles do we address God in this confession ? 
(' Almighty.') — In confessing our sins, how should we 
feel, when we think of God's almighty power ? (A 
dread, as sinners, of God's auger.) — 6 Most merciful 
Father;' what encouragement have we in these words? 
(A hope of pardon is held out in them.) — c Erred and 
strayed,' &c. like what? — What animal is mentioned 
in Scripture as apt to stray, and, when it has strayed, 
as likely to be lost? (The sheep.) — { Devices and 
desires of our hearts,' what are these? (The inclina- 
tions of our sinful nature.) — Have we resisted or fol- 
lowed these devices and desires ? — Against what have 
we offended ? — What 6 have we left undone ?' — What 
6 have we done ?'— < Health;' what does this mean, 
the health of the body or the health of the soul ? — 
What is meant by there being no health in our souls? 
(No power to do our duty or save ourselves.) — What 
kind of offenders do we confess ourselves to be ? — 
And, as such, what do we pray the Lord to have or 
bestow upon us ? — 6 Spare thou them, &c. from 
what? (From punishment.) — 6 Restore thou them,' &c. 



* The Confession. 7 

to what? (The favour of God.) — 'According to' what ? 
— i Promises declared,' to whom ? — And in whom ? — 
'And grant,' &c; grant what? — For whose sake ? — 
To what end ? 

What is meant by a 6 godly' life ? (Piety towards 
God.) — What is meant by a 6 righteous life ? (Jus- 
tice and love towards our fellow-creatures.) — What 
is meant by a 'sober ' life ? (Temperance in the re- 
gulation of our appetites.) — What does this desire to 
be made holy show ? (The sincerity of our confession 
of sin.) 

SCRIPTURAL ILLUSTRATIONS, &C. 

Erred and strayed like, Sfc. — Where is this said of us in the 
Bible ? (Isaiah liii. 6. All we like sheep, &c.) 

Devices and desires, fyc. — What does our Lord say proceed 
from the heart ? (Matt. xv. 19. Out of the heart proceed evil 
thoughts, &c.) 

Left undone, fyc. — What does St. John say sin is ? (1 John 
iii. 4. The transgression of the law.) — What does St. Paul say 
of the law ? (Rom. vii. 12. The law is holy, just, and good.) — 
What does our Lord say are the two great commandments of 
the law? (Matt. xxii. 37, &c. See page 40.) 

No health, 8fc. — Where does our Lord say the same thing of 
us in other words ? (Mark ii. 17. They that are whole, &c. I 
came not to call, &c.) 

Miserable offenders. — What did Job confess himself to be? 
(Job xl. 4. Behold, I am vile.) — And David ? (Psalm li. 5. I 
was shapen, &c.) — And St. Paul? (1 Tim. i. 15. Sinners, of 
whom I am chief.) — Such men confessing themselves to be such 
sinners, what does this show ? (How suitable the words ' miser- 
able offenders ' are to a confession to be used by all persons.) 

Promises declared to mankind, Sfc. — How does our Lord con- 
firm this expression in his last and great commission to his 
apostles ? (Luke xxiv. 47. And that repentance and remission, 
&c.) — What does this passage show ? (That God, for Christ's 
sake, will spare and restore those that are penitent.) 

For his sake, Sfc. — What does St. Peter say Christ has done 
and suffered to purchase for us the forgiveness of sin ? (1 Pet. 
ii. 24. Who his own self bare our sins, &c.) 

And grant, &c. — Who does St. Paul tell the Philippians (ch. 
ii. 12, 13) works in us to will and to do that which is good? 

A 4 



8 The Absolution. 

(God.) — What does this teach us? (That to he able to live a 
godly, righteous, and sober life, is the effect of God's grace.) — 
Because God worketh in us to will and to do of his good pleasure, 
what does St. Paul say we are to do ? (Work out our own sal- 
vation with fear, &c.) — What does this teach us ? (That the 
more God helps us, the greater ought to be our diligence.) 

To the glory of thy, §c. — What does St. Paul tell the Corin- 
thians to do, whether they eat or drink, or whatever they do ? 
(1 Cor. x. 31. To do all to the glory of God.) See also ch. vi. 
20. 



ABSOLUTION. 
(Let the Rubric, and then the Absolution, be read.) 

Who pronounces this absolution or forgiveness of 
sins ? — In what posture are you to continue while it is 
said ? — Does the Minister speak in the Absolution to 
God or to the people ? (To the people.) 

Of whom is Almighty God here called the Father ? 
— Why? (To remind us that He is merciful to us, as 
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.) — What does 
not God desire? — 'Death;' is this temporal, or spiri- 
tual and eternal death ? — c But rather/ what does this 
mean? (That God desires very much.) — Desires what? 
— What has God given power and commandment to 
his Ministers to declare ? — Whom does God pardon 
and absolve? — What must they, unfeignedly, believe? 
What does 6 unfeignedly ' mean ? (Truly, sincerely.) 
— ^Therefore let us beseech him to grant us,' what? 
— Who grants us true repentance, and the Holy 
Spirit ? — Why should we seek these blessings ? — For 
what purpose c at this present,' that is, in the act of 
worship in which we are immediately engaged ? — For 
what purpose 6 hereafter,' or through the remaining 
course of our life ? And 6 at the last,' after this life is 



The Absolution. 9 

ended ? — Through whom only are all the blessings 
pronounced in this Absolution bestowed? 

SCRIPTURE ILLUSTRATIONS, &C. 

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. — In what prayer of St. Paul 
does he thus address God ? (Ephes. iii. 14. For this cause, &c.) 

Willeth not the death, Sfc. — What does Ezekiel say to the 
same purpose? (Ezek. xxxiii. 11; xviii. 23) And see some 
remarkable instances of this, 2 Kings xxi. 16. 2 Chron. xxxiii. 
13. Manasseh. Luke vii. 47. The woman that was a sinner. 
Luke xxiii. 43. The Dying Thief. Acts xvi. 27, &c. The Jailor. 

Death spiritual. — Explain this by what St. Paul says to the 
Ephesians. (Eph. ii. 1 . Dead in trespasses and sins.) 

Death eternal. — Where is hell called the second death ? (Rev. 
xxi. 8. The lake which, &c. ; which is the second death.) 

True repentance. — What does St. Paul tell the Corinthians 
worketh repentance unto salvation, or true repentance? (2 Cor. 
vii. 10. Godly sorrow.) See Ps. li. 4. Against thee, thee, &c. 

Absolution, being penitent. — Where does our Lord tell us that 
we must repent if we would be pardoned ? {Luke xiii. 3. Except 
ye repent, ye shall perish.) 

Unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel.- — When our Lord preached 
repentance, what did He connect with it? (Marki. 15. Repent, 
and believe the Gospel.) What did our Lord tell Nicodemus 
was the state of those who did not believe the Gospel ? (John 
iii. 18. He that believeth not is condemned already.) See 
Acts viii. 13 and 23, an instance of feigned belief. 

Grant true repentance, Sfc. — Where in Scripture is repentance 
said to be the gift of God ? (2 Tim. ii. 25. If God will give, 
&c. repentance.) What are we told in the Acts that Christ 
was exalted, as a Prince and a Saviour, to give? (Ch. v. 31. 
Repentance.) See also ch. ix. 6. Paul. 

Grant, Sfc. Holy Spirit. — Show that this also is the gift of 
God. (Luke xi. 13. If ye then, being evil, &c.) Mention 
some of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Gal. v. 22. The fruit 
of the Spirit is love, &c.) 

The rest of our life, Sfc*. — What did St. Paul say to the 
Corinthians, to show the continual need men have of Divine 
assistance ? (2 Cor. iii. 5. Not that we are sufficient, &c.) — 
How does our Lord teach us our need of his help ? (John xv. 5. 
Without me ye can do nothing.) 

Through our Lord Jesus Christ. — How does St. Jude tell us- 
to look for eternal life? (Jude 21. As the effect of Christ's 
mercy.) 

(Let the next Rubric be read.) 

What is meant by Amen ? (At the end of a prayer 
a 5 



10 



The Absolution. 



i 



*so be it;' at the end of a creed, ' so it is.' It means 
that we heartily agree with what has been said.) — By 
whom should the 'Amen' be always said? (By every 
one in the congregation.) — What then is the office of 
the clerk in our service ? (Only to lead the congre- 
gation, who should join with him in all he does.) 

(Here, as it is directed by the Rubric, follows the Lord's Prayer, 
which, it is presumed, has been already sufficiently explained to 
all persons who have learnt the Catechism. The four short verses, 
which follow the Lord's Prayer, are intended to connect the 
prayers which pave been offered up with the Psalms and Hymns 

. which immediately follow.) 

For what are these verses intended to prepare us ? 
(For praising God.) — Who only can open our lips so 
that we may show forth his praise ? (See Prov. xvi. 1.) 
— How do we express our earnestness to God to help 
us to praise Him? (See Psalm li. 15; and Psalm 
lxx. 1.) 



Here all standing up (Neh. ix. 5), the service changes 
from prayer to praise. 



(Read the four short verses in which we first express our praise.) 
To whom does the Minister give glory ? — * In the 
beginning,' of w T hat ? (Of all things.) — What is meant 
by 6 world without end?' (For ever and ever.) — 6 As 
it was in the beginning,' &c. what does this answer 
mean? (That as it was at the beginning of the creation, 
so it is now, and will be for ever and ever, that God 
shall be praised as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.) 

By what name has God declared that He is always the same ? 
(Exod. iii. 14. I am.) — Where does Christ claim as his this 
name? (John viii. 58. Before Abraham was, I am.) How 
does Paul (Heb. ix. 14) speak of the Holy Ghost? (As the 
"Eternal Spirit.) 



The Ninety-jiftli Psalm. 



11 



{Let the Rubric be read.) 
What usually follows these four short verses? 

THE NINETY-FIFTH PSALM. 

When is this Psalm not to be said ? — On the nine- 
teenth day of every month, where is it read ? 

{Let the Psalm be read, and let the verses of this and other Psalms 
and Hymns be numbered in the Prayer-books, in order that 
they may not lose the place, and become confused as the questions 
proceed.) 

Why is the ninety- fifth Psalm here nead ? (As an 
introduction to the services which follow, by inviting 
us successively to praise and thanksgiving, ver. 1 — 5; 
to prayer, ver. 6 ; and to hearing God's word, ver. 8.). 

What awful warning does it give of the danger of 
neglecting God? (The punishment of the disobedient 
Jews in the wilderness, ver. 8 — 12.) 

Ver. I. What is meant by the strength of our salvation? 
(The Lord, as by his power only we are saved. 1 Pet. i. 5.) 

Ver. 2. How are we to come before his presence ? — And show 
ourselves glad in Him f— Why ? 

Ver. 3. Great King above all gods. — What does this mean ? 
(We mean that God is above all that have ever been called gods, 
as earthly kings, idols, angels. See Acts xii. 22, Herod ; and 
Dan. v. 4. 23, Belshazzar's gods ; also Psalm xcvii. 7, compared 
with Heb. i. 6, Angels.) 

Ver. 4. What is meant by the strength of the hills? (The 
highest and largest hills.) — Explain the sentence, e In his hand, 9 
fyc. (That the whole earth, even those parts which are most 
out of the reach of men, are under God's government.) See 
Obadiah 4, The Edomites. 

Ver. 6. Before whom should we kneel? {Luke xxii. 41.) — 
Why? 

Ver. 7. People of his pasture and sheep of his hand. — What 
does this expression mean ? (It declares God's great care of us. 
See Isaiah xL 11 ; and Psalm xxiii.) — Who is the good Shep- 
herd, and how has He shown Himself to be such? {John x. 11.) 

Ver. 8. When should we hear his voice, or attend to his holy 
word ? (See Proverbs viii 17 ; and 1 Kings xviii. 12, Obadiah.) 

Ver. 9- Your fathers.— Who are meant here? (The Israelites 
in the wilderness.) — How did they behave to God ? Give some 

A 6 



12 



The Psalms. 



instances. (Exod. xxxii. 4, 5, comp. with xix. 4, 5. 16, turning; 
idolaters at the very foot of Mount Sinai. Numb. xvi. 41, re- 
hellion against God on the very day after the judgment of 
Korah.) 

Ver. 10. How long did God bear with them ? 

Ver. 11. How at last did He punish them? — My rest, what 
does this mean? (The land of Canaan.) — Why did not that 
generation of the Israelites who left Egypt enter the land of 
Canaan ? (Because of unbelief. See Numb. xiv. 23, compared 
with Heb. iii. 19.) — Prove that what happened to them was 
written for the admonition or warning of the Christian Church 
by what is written in 1 Cor. x. 11. — What is written in the third 
and fourth chapters of St. Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews, and 
what are you there taught ? (That if I, like the Israelites, 
hardened my heart in unbelief, by not to-day attending to God's- 
holy word, I may expect God will not let me enter heaven.) 



(Let the Rubric be read.) 
After this Psalm what follows? — What is to he re- 
peated at the end of every Psalm and Hymn ? 

THE PSALMS. 

Which book in the Bible is appointed by our Church 
to be most frequently read in her services ? (The Book 
of Psalms.) — Why? (Because the Psalms are, more 
than any other book of the Bible, adapted to the pur- 
poses of devotion.) 

Examples. Ps. li. is suitable to the confession of sin, and is 
so used in the Commination Service. Ps. lxxi. to a state of 
sickness, and is so used in the Visitation of the Sick. Ps. xxxix. 
and xc. when we have lost relatives, and are used in the Burial 
Service. Ps. cxvi. and cxxvii. express thanksgiving for mercies 
received, and are used in that of the Churching of Women. 

In what order usually are the Psalms read ? (According to 
the day of the month.) — What Psalms are read on the thirty- 
first day of the month ? (The same as on the thirtieth.) — There 
are certain days for which proper Psalrns are appointed ; what 
are those days ? (They are mentioned in the table of proper 
Psalms.) (N.B. For the intention of these days, see Appendix, 
Festivals and Fasts.) — Are the Psalms often quoted in the New 
Testament ? (Nearly fifty Psalms are referred to in the Gospels, 
Acts, and Epistles.) — How did our Lord show the importance 
of our being familiar with the book of Psalms ? (By frequently 



The First Lesson. 



13 



quoting them, and declaring that in them were written things 
concerning Himself. Luke xxiv. 44.) — Mention some of the 
Psalms more directly prophetical of Christ. (Psalms ii. xvi. 
xxii. xl. xlw lxviii. lxxii. lxxxviii. ex. cxviii.) — In what lan- 
guage did He utter his dying words on the cross ? (In the 
language of the Psalms. Compare Luke xxiii. 46, with Psalm 
xxxi. 5.) — Who wrote the greater part of the Psalms? (David, 
hence called the sweet Psalmist of Israel, 2 Sam. xxiii. 1.) — 
What then would greatly assist in understanding the Psalms ? 
(A knowledge of the history of David, as furnishing us with 
the occasions when they were written. — In what books of 
the Bible is the history of David ? (Chiefly 1 & 2 Sam. and 
1 Chron.) 

In some of the Psalms David utters bitter curses against his 
enemies ; which are most remarkable in this respect ? Psalms 
Ixix. and cix. — How does St. Peter apply these lxix. and cix. 
Psalms? (As prophecies fulfilled in the punishment of Judas. 
See Acts i. 20.) — How then are we to understand the curses 
contained in such Psalms ? (As threatenings uttered or judg- 
ments foretold by a prophet of God against hardened and finally 
impenitent sinners.) — With what feelings, then, should we repeat 
them ? (With an awful sense of God's holiness and justice in 
the punishment of sin.) 



THE FIRST LESSON. 

What are the Lessons? (Chapters taken from the 
Bible.) — What does the Bible contain ? (The writings 
of the Old and New Testament) — 6 Old' and 'New' 
Testament, what is the difference between them? (The 
Old is so called, because written before, the New, be- 
cause written after, the coming of Christ. What the 
Old Testament promises, the New fulfils. Compare 
Heb. x. 1, and Col. ii. 17. See also Rev. xix. 10.) — 
How is all Scripture given, whether contained in the 
Old or New Testament ? (2 Tim. iii. 16. By inspira- 
tion of God.) — What is meant by inspiration ? (2 Pet. 
i. 21. Holy men of God spake as they were moved or 
taught by the Holy Ghost.) — What then is the Bible ? 
(The written word of God.) — For what did God give 
us the Bible ? (2 Tim. iii. 15. To make us wise unto 



14 



Hymns after the First Lesson. 



i 



salvation, through, &c.) — In what spirit should we hear 

the Lessons read ? (In a spirit of prayer, like David. 

Psalm cxix. 18. Open thou mine eyes, &c. [See also 

the Collect for the Second Sunday in Advent.'] And in 

a spirit of obedience, like Samuel. 1 Sam. iii. 10. 

Speak, Lord, for thy servant, &c.) See Acts ix. 6. 

How do you find the first Lesson for a Sunday? 

(By finding out the particular Sunday that it may be 

in the Calendar at the beginning of the Prayer-book, 

and opposite I shall see what the first Lesson is, and 

sometimes the second also.) 

Prove that it has been very long the practice to read the 
Scriptures in public worship. (Acts xv. 21. For Moses of old 
time hath in every, &c.) — In what order are the first Lessons for 
Sunday taken ? (Generally in the order of the books of the 
Old Testament, beginning with Genesis.) — With what great 
event does our Church begin her year ? (The advent, or coming 
of Christ. 

(Here turn to the table in the Prayer-book for proper Lessons 
for Sunday.) 

With what book of the Old Testament does the first Lesson 
for Advent begin ? — Why is Isaiah, and not Genesis, first read ? 
(Because it contains more about the kingdom of Christ than 
any other book of the Old Testament, and is therefore best 
suited to a season particularly set apart for meditating on the 
coming of our blessed Lord.) — Can you mention any prophecy 
in Isaiah which remarkably foretels the birth of Christ ? (Isaiah 
ix. 6. Unto us a child is born, &c.) Any chapter which 
remarkably foretels his sufferings? (Isaiah liii.) — How does 
our Lord show that we should study the Old Testament ? (By 
declaring, Luke xxiv. 27, that Moses and all the prophets spake 
of Him. John v. 39. Search the Scriptures, for in them, &c.) 

The Old Testament gives a very remarkable instance of the 
good effect produced by hearing part of it read. What is that 
instance? (2 Chron. xxxiv. 18. 27.) See also Eph. vi. 17. The 
sword, &c. which is, &c. 

HYMNS AFTER THE FIRST LESSON. 

What Hymns has the Church appointed to be used 
after the fir- 1 Lesson ? — What is the first of them 

called ? 



The Hymn called Te Deum Laudamus. 15 



THE HYMN CALLED TE DEUM LAUDAMUS. 

{Let it be read, and let the verses be numbered from 1 to 29, as 
was done in the case of the 95th Psalm.) 

How does it begin ? — What is the substance of it ? 
(It is a solemn form of praise.) — To whom ? (To the 
One only God, as He is made known to us in 
Scripture, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. See 
ver. 11—13, &c.) 

Ver. 2. Who are here said to worship the Father everlasting? 

Ver. 3. Who besides all the earth ? And with what should 
this thought fill us ? (Deepest reverence.) See 1 Kings viii. 27. 

Ver. 4. What are meant by the Cherubim and Seraphim? 
(Angels of different orders.) 

Holy, holy, holy. — Where do we read in the Bible that God 
is thus praised by angels? (Isaiah's vision, ch. vi.)— To what 
may the repetition of 'holy' three times direct our thoughts? 
(To each Person of the Godhead.) — How does St. John's refer- 
ence in his Gospel (xii. 41.) to Isaiah's vision confirm this? 
— (John says there, that Isaiah then saw the Glory of Christ.) 

Ver. 5. What is meant by Sabaoth? (Hosts or armies, — 
Dan. iv. 35. He doeth according to his will, &c.) 

Ver. 6. Of what are heaven and earth full? {Rom. i. 20.) 

Ver. 7. Who were the Apostles? (Disciples who were ap- 
pointed and sent by Christ Himself to preach the Gospel. See 
Mark hi. 14. Luke vi. 13.)— Show from Gal. i. 1, that St. Paul 
was an Apostle. 

Ver. 8. Who were the Prophets? (Holy men directed by 
God to foretel things to come.)-— Explain what is a prophet, by 
showing from Deut. xviii. 15, that Moses was a prophet. 

Ver. 9. What is a Martyr ? (One who is put to death for 
declaring the truth of God.) — Give an example of a martyr. 
(See Acts vii. 52, &c. and Heb. xi. 35, &c.) 

Ver. 10. How does the Holy Church acknowledge the One 
only God? Repeat ver. 10 — 13. — Doth^acknowledge Thee, the 
Father everlasting. Thine honourable, true, and only Son. 
Also, the Holy Ghost the Comforter. 

By whom is the Holy Ghost spoken of as the Comforter? 
(Our Lord. John xv. 26. But when, &c. He shall, &c.) 

Ver. 14. By what name do we address Christ ? — In what 
Psalm is Christ spoken of as the King of Glory ? Psalm xxiv.) 



16 The Hymn called Te Deum Laudamus. 



Ver. 15. Prove that Christ is the everlasting Son of the Father, 
from what our Lord says, John xvii. 5. With the glory which I 
had with thee, &c. 

Ver. 16. Prove from Scripture, that when Christ undertook 
to deliver man, He did not abhor, i. e. He so deeply humbled 
Himself as not to refuse taking on Him our nature. (Gal. iv. 4. 
Made of a woman, &c. ; and Phil. ii. 6 — 8. Equal with God, 
&c. ; fashioned as a man.) 

Ver. 17. What is it which causes the sharpness of death? 
(Sin ; for, 1 Cor. xv. 56, the sting of death is sin.) — In what 
did the sharpness of Christ's death consist ? (Heb. ix. 26. In 
the sufferings He endured for our sins. See also Isaiah liii. 5, 
10, wounded, &c. soul an offering, &c.) 

Prove that the sharpness of Christ's death was not chiefly 
in his bodily sufferings on the cross. (Luke xxii. 4 4. His 
agony in Gethsemane before the hand of man had touched 
Him.) — What was his greatest agony on the cross ? (He felt as 
if He was forsaken by his Father, Matt, xxvii. 46.) 

What does St. Paul say in Heb. x. 19, 20, which shows that 
the effect of Christ's death was to open the kingdom of heaven 
to all believers ? (Heb. x. 19, 20. By a new and living way con- 
secrated by the blood of Jesus Christ.) — Had good men any 
knowledge of this way before our Lord's appearing? — Had 
Job ? (See ch. xix. 25. I know that my Redeemer liveth, &c.) 
— Had Abraham? (See John viii. 56. Rejoiced to see my day.) 
— Had the prophets ? (See 1 Pet. i. 10. Of which salvation the 
prophets, &c.) — How, then, did Christ open the way ? Though 
it was only through his merits that those who lived before his 
appearance, entered heaven (Rev. xiii. 8), yet, by his appearance, 
He made that way clearer. (2 Tim. i. 10. He abolished death, 
and brought life and immortality to light by the Gospel.) 

Ver. 18. Where is Christ now sitting ? — What does this 
mean? (Mat. xxviii. 18. That all power in heaven and earth 
is given to Him by the Father on our behalf.) 

Ver. 19. What do we believe He will come to be? 



Ver. 20. Having (ver. 14 — 19) celebrated the glory of Christ's 
kingdom, the eternity of his Divine nature, the wonderful con- 
descension of his taking on Him our nature, the merit of his 
death, his triumphal entrance into the highest heavens, the cer- 
tainty of his return to judgment, by what act of worship do we 
in this verse address Him ? (Prayer.) 

For what ? and why ? With what has Christ redeemed us ? 
(See 1 Pet. i. 18.) How does St. Paul teach us (1 Cor. i. 2), 
that prayer to Jesus Christ our Lord is a distinguishing mark 



The Canticle called Benedicite. 



17 



of being a Christian ? See also Acts vii. 59. Stephen. 2 Cor. 
xii. 8, 9. Paul. Rev. v. 13. And every creature, &c.) 

Ver. 21. With whom do we pray Christ to number us? — 
(tieb. xii. 23. Rev. xxi. 27. And there shall in nowise enter, 

he.) 

Ver. 22. Who are Christ's heritage ? (All who believe and 
obey Him.) — Why are they called his heritage ? (As given to 
Christ of the Father. See Psalm ii. 18. I will give thee the 
heathen for, &c. And John xvii. 24. Those whom Thou hast 
given me, &c.) 

Ver. 24. What is meant by magnifying God? (So to praise 
God that others may think greatly of Him.) See Ban. vi. 26. 

Ver. 26. What is the meaning of vouchsafe? (Be pleased to 
grant.) 

Ver. 28. What is to be understood by lighten upon us? (Fall 
or descend upon us, so as to be with us.) 

Ver. 29- What is meant by confounded? (Disappointed of 
my hope of salvation. See 1 Pet. ii. 6. He that believeth in 
Him shall not, &c.) 



THE CANTICLE CALLED BENEDICITE. 

What hymn may be used instead of the Te Deum? 

— What is meant by Canticle? (A song or hymn.) 

— What is the purpose of this hymn ? (To call upon 

all things in heaven and earth to praise the Lord.) 

How do the sun, moon, stars, &c. praise God ? {Psalm xix. 1. 
The heavens declare the glory of God ; that is, make known his 
power, wisdom, &c.) — Though this hymn be no portion of the 
Scriptures, yet a Psalm in the same manner calls upon all the 
works of God to praise Him ; which is it? (Psalm cxlviii.) — 
What are the most suitable occasions on which to use this hymn ? 
(When the first Lesson treats of the creation, or of any extraor- 
dinary exercise of God's power, such as his preventing the fire 
from burning the three children of Israel.) Who are meant 
by Ananias, Azarias, and Misael? (See Dan. i. 7.) How did 
they declare the glory of God ? (Compare Dan. iii. 29. and 
Matt. v. 16. The effect of their conduct on Nebuchadnezzar.) 



THE SECOND LESSON. 

How do you find the second Lesson for a Sunday? 
(In the Calendar, according to the day of the 
month.) — Is there no exception to this rule ? (Yes* 



18 Hymns after the Second Lesson. 



on some particular days it is found either in the table 
for Sunday Lessons, or for Holydays.) 

From what part of the Bible is the second Lesson for the 
Morning Service taken ? (From the New Testament, generally 
the Gospels and Acts.) — When is this not so ? (On Easter 
Sunday, and on some festivals.) — What is meant by the word 
Gospel ? (Good tidings. See Luke ii. 10.) — Who wrote the Acts 
of the Apostles? (See Acts i. 1, compared with Luke i. 4.) — 
What is meant by an Epistle? (See Gal. vi. 11. Ye see, &c. 
letter.) — What is a General Epistle? (One not written to any 
particular individual or Church.) — Which Epistles of the New 
Testament are general, and which not ? — Who wrote the greater 
part of the Epistles ? — How does St. Paul tell us the word of 
Christ should dwell in us ? (Col. iii. 16. Let, &c, richly in all 
wisdom.) — What does this teach us ? (That the New Testament 
should be our constant companion and guide.) 



HYMNS AFTER THE SECOND LESSON, 

What hymns has the Church appointed to be used 
after the second Lesson ? — From what portion of 
Scripture is the first hymn taken ? 

St. Luke i. 68. 

(Let it be read, and the verses numbered from 1 to 12.) 

Who wrote this hymn? — And on what occasion? 
(Luke I 59.) — What is the subject of it? (It is a 
thanksgiving for the redemption of mankind by Christ.) 

Ver. 1. Why do we bless the Lord God of Israel? 

Ver. 2. What does Zach arias say God had raised up ? What 
did he mean by this ? (Salvation by Christ.)— From whose 
house or family was Christ to come ? (See Psalm cxxxii. 11, as 
quoted by St. Peter, Acts ii. 30.)— Of what use is that long list 
of names in 1st chap, of Matt. ? (To prove the truth of God's 
holy word, which he spake by the mouth of his prophets, that 
Christ was the son of David.) 

Ver. 3. What have been since the world began? 

Ver. 5. In raising up this mighty salvation what did God 
perform ? (Mercy promised to our forefathers.) — To which of 
our forefathers was this mercy first promised ? (To Adam, im- 
mediately after the fall. Gen. iii. 15. The seed, &c.) 



Hymns after the Second Lesson. 



19 



Ver. 6. To whom was it that God sware ? (See Gen. xxii. 
16.) — Why did God not only promise, but swear ? (Heb. vi. 18. 
That we might have strong consolation in trusting on Christ for 
salvation.) 

Ver. 7 and 8. What has God promised and sworn to our 
father Abraham that He would give us ? — To what end does God 
deliver us from our enemies ? — From what enemies does God 
deliver us ? (Our spiritual enemies. Tit. ii. 14.) 

Ver. 9. And thou, child, fyc, who is here meant ? (John the 
Baptist.] — Whose prophet shall he be called ? — Before whom was 
it foretold he should go to prepare his way ? 

Who foretold this ? (Isaiah xl. 3. Malachi iii. 1 .) — Before 
whom did John go ? (Before Christ.) — If John was thus fore- 
told to be the prophet of the Highest, to go before the Lord to 
prepare his way, and this was fulfilled in his being the prophet 
of Christ to prepare his way, what does it prove Christ to be ? 
(The Highest, and the Lord, that is, God.) — What is John's 
own testimony to this effect ? (That Christ was above all. John 
iii. 31.) 

How did John the Baptist prepare the way of Christ ? (Matt. 
iii. 1. By preaching repentance, &c.) 

Ver. 1 1 . What is meant by day-spring ? (The dawn or break 
of day.) Christ is called, in a spiritual sense, the Sun of Righte- 
ousness. Malachi iv. 2. John the Baptist preached his ap- 
proaching coming as the light of the world. John viii. 12. 

Ver. 12. Darkness and the shadow of death, what does this 
mean? (Spiritual ignorance leading to hell.) — What does this 
salvation give to those that are in a state of spiritual ignorance 
and condemnation ? (Light.) — What is that ? (The saving 
knowledge of divine truth.) — Into what does it guide our feet? 
(Compare Acts ix. 1 ; and 1 Cor. xiii. Paul.) 

When the hymn of Zacliarias is omitted, what is 
used ? 

THE HUNDREDTH PSALM. 
(Let it be read.) 

Ver. 1. What is meant by 'all ye lands?' ('All 
people that on earth do dwell.' Jews, Luke ii. 10. 20 ; 
and Gentiles, Matt. ii. 10.) — How are they to serve 
God and come before Him ? (See Bom. v. 11. We 
joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom, 
&c. and Rev. v. 9.) 



20 



The Apostles' Creed. 



Ver. 2. Why?— What are we? (See Eph. ii. 10. 
See Psalm xcv. 7, page 11.) 

Ver. 3. What is meant by going into God's gates ? 
(Into the house of God.) — How are we to go into the 
house of God ? 

Ver. 4. Why? (See Exod. xxxiv. 6.) — What is 
God's mercy? (See Mom. viii. 35.) — What is meant 
by 'his truth?' (His faithfulness in performing his 
promises; see Heb. x. 23.) — What is meant by its 
enduring 6 from generation to generation V (That it 
extends from Adam to his last-born son.) 



THE APOSTLES' CREED. 

(An explanation of the, articles of belief contained in this Creed is 
learnt in the Catechism; but the following general questions 
may be asked.) 

What is a Creed ? (Rom. vi. 17. A form of doctrine; that 
is, the chief articles or particulars of what we believe in reli- 
gion.) — How many creeds has our Church ? (Three: the Nicene 
Creed, Athanasian Creed, and that which is commonly called 
the Apostles' Creed: see 8th Article.) — Why do you say com- 
monly called the Apostles' Creed ? (Because though very an- 
cient, it probably was not written by the Apostles themselves.) 
— Why are the creeds to be believed ? (Because the doctrines 
which they declare may be proved by the Holy Scriptures.) — 
What may you learn from the creeds ? (What it is most im- 
portant for me to believe.) — In this respect, of what use is the 
constant repetition of a creed in public worship ? (The ignorant 
are thus instructed, and all are thus constantly reminded what 
it is most important for them to believe.)— On what is all prayer 
founded ? (On what we believe. Heb. xi. 6. He that cometh 
to God must believe, &c.) — What does this show ? (That creeds 
are a guide to prayer as well as a public profession of what we 
believe. Rom. x. 14. See 2 Tim. i. 13. Hold fast, &c.) 



THE CREED OF ST. ATHANASI US. 

When is this creed used ? — What was the object in writing 
it ? (As a defence against the error of those who denied the 
doctrine of Three Persons in one God.) — When our Lord said 



The Athanasian Creed. 



21 



to his Apostles, Go ye and teach all nations, in whose name 
were they to baptize those who believed ? (The name of the 
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matt, xxviii. 
19.) — What does this show ? (That the doctrine of the Three 
Persons in one God is the great doctrine of the Gospel proposed 
to our belief.) — When our Lord says, He that believeth and is 
baptized, shall be saved, what does He say of him that believeth 
not? {Mark xvi. 16. That he shall be damned.) — What then 
should be your prayer ? (To be kept stedfast in this faith. See 
Collect for Trinity Sunday.) 

Texts in proof of the Divinity of Christ and the Holy 
Spirit : — 

Christ: — John i. 1. Rom. ix. 5. Compare Isaiah xliv. 6, with 
Rev. xxii. 13. Philip, ii. 6. Col. i. 16. Heb. i. 8. 

Holy Ghost: — 1 Cor. iii. 16, compare with 1 Cor. vi. 19. 
2 Tim. iii. 16, compare with 2 Pet. i. 21. Isaiah vi. 8. 10, with 
Acts xxviii. 25, 26. Acts xiii. 2, 3, 4, with Matt. ix. 38. 

(For further texts, see Litany, page 25, fyc.) 

(For an explanation of the Nicene Creed, seepage 46, in that part 
of the Service where it is usually read, Sfc.) 

After the Apostles' Creed, or that of St. Athanasius, 
as directed by the Rubric, the service again changes 
to prayer and supplication, which, while we are in this 
world, must ever be the chief subject of the worship 
we pay to God. Ephes. vi. 18. 



How is this change in the service to prayer and 
supplication introduced? (By short sentences, which 
the minister and people repeat by turns.) 

(Read the short sentences before the Lord's Prayer.) 

How do the minister and people intreat for each other God's 
blessing on that in which they are about to engage ? (See Ruth 
ii. 4. Psalm cxviii. 26 ; cxxix. 8.) — Thy spirit, xvhose spirit ? 
— Why does the minister say, Let us pray ? (Particularly to 
awaken the people to join earnestly with him in those prayers 
and supplications on which they are now immediately enter- 
ing.) — For what do they first pray ? (For mercy, as the petition 
best suiting sinners who are entering the presence of God in 
prayer.) — After this, what do we repeat? — Why is the Lord's 
Prayer again introduced ? (To keep ever before us that which 



22 



The Collect for the Day. 



must be the pattern of all other prayers. Matt, vi. 9.)-;-Is 
there any other use in repeating it ? (Yes ; it is an acknowledg- 
ment, on our part, that no other prayer can express so well our 
wants.) 



{Read the short sentences that are used after the Lord's Prayer, 
in turn by the minister and people,) 

Why are these short sentences, and others, in 
various parts of the service, introduced? (To keep 
our thoughts from wandering, and sometimes, as here, 
to prepare us for what follows.) 

Of what are these short sentences the sum ? (Of all the 
Collects immediately following, which contain prayers for our- 
selves, the queen, ministers, and people. Psalm lxxxv. 7. 
2 Chron. vi. 41.) What is meant by endue thy ministers with 
righteousness ? (Supply, give abundantly, the Holy Spirit to 
enable them to become holy.) — Mention an instance of a mi- 
nister endued with righteousness. (Zacharias, Luke i. 6, walked 
in all the commandments, &c.) — Thine inheritance, thy chosen 
people, who are these ? (All true Christians, who are heirs of 
God's promises in Christ, and who are said in Scripture to be 
chosen of God to salvation. Eph. i. 4.) — From what part of 
Scripture are the two last of these short sentences taken ? {Psalm 
li. 10, 11.) 



{Read the Rubric which follows these short sentences.) 
THE COLLECT FOR THE DAY. 

What is meant by a Collect? (A Collect is a short 
comprehensive prayer.) 

What advantage has such a mode of prayer ? (It relieves 
the attention, which might otherwise be wearied by one long 
prayer.) — What other benefit has it ? (Every Collect being 
offered up in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are thus 
constantly pleading his merits and intercession, as the only 
ground of the acceptance of our prayers. See Johnxiv. 13 ; xvi. 
23.) 

From what part of the year do the Collects for the day begin, 
as they stand in the Prayer-book? (With the first Sunday in 
Advent.)— Which is the last Sunday Collect? (That for the 
twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity.) 



The Third Collect for Grace. 



23 



{See the Rubric at the end of the Gospel for the Twenty-ffth 
Sunday after Trinity, as to the proper order of the Collects at 
this part of the year.) 

What follows the Collect for the day ? 

THE SECOND COLLECT FOR PEACE. 

{Let the Collect be read.) 

Of what is God the Author? (Isaiah xlv. 7.) — 
What is meant by concord ? (2 Cor. xiii. 11. Being 
of one mind. Psalm cxxxiii. 1. Dwelling together in 
unity.) — What blessings have the peacemakers, as a 
proof that God loves concord? (Matt. v. 9. Called 
the children of God.) — In the knowledge of whom is 
our eternal life ? (John xvii. 3. This is life eternal, 
&c. compared with 2 Thess. i. 8, &c.) — What is the 
service of God ? — In what does St. Paul say, in his 
Epistle to the Romans, the freedom of the Gospel 
consists? (Rom vi. 22. Being made free from sin, 
&c. fruit unto holiness.) — Trusting in God's defence, 
what may we not fear ? — How does St. Paul in his 
sixth chapter to the Ephesians describe the Christian's 
defence ? (Eph. vi. 11, &c. Put on the whole armour 
of God, &c. Through the might, &c. See Heh. vii. 
25.) 



THE THIRD COLLECT FOR GRACE. 

{Read the Collect.) 
Who brings us in safety to the beginning of every 
day ? — At the beginning of every day, to what should 
we look to defend us through the course of it? — 
What should we then pray God to grant? (See 
Numb. xx. 10, &c. with Psalm cvi. 33, Moses 6 falling 
into sin;' and 1 Kings xxii. 32, Jehoshaphat 6 running 



24 



The Litany. 



into danger.') — c That all our doings maybe ordered" 
how? — 'To do always/ what? — What promise is 
there in Proverbs to those who in all their ways 
acknowledge God ? (Prov. in. 5, 6. That He will di- 
rect their path.) By whom does the Psalmist say the 
steps of a good man are ordered? ( Psalm xxxvii. 23, 
24. The Lord.) See Gen. xxviii. 15. 20; xlviii. 15. 
Jacob ; Gen. xxxix. 9 ; xli. 16, with xxxix. 2. 23; xlv. 
7. Joseph ; instances of this. 



{Read the two next Rubrics.) 
In places where they sing, what follows here? 
What is an anthem? (A hymn sung in parts or by 
turns.) 

What is the first instance in Scripture of such a mode of 
singing? (Exod. xv. 21. Miriam's song when the Israelites 
had crossed the Red Sea.) — Where does St. Paul recommend 
anthems? (Eph. v. 19. Speaking to one another, &c.) 



THE LITANY. 

(Let the supplications he numbered 1 — 34, and as an assistance to 
the teacher, they may be arranged in four parts ) 

Verses 1 — 4. The Invocation, or Act of calling upon God. 
5 — 13. The Deprecation, or Prayer against evil. 
14 — 32. The Intercession, or Prayer for others. 
33, 34. The Conclusion ; in which, after praying, verse 
33, for temporal, and, verse 34, for spiritual 
blessings, we, in a few short sentences, en- 
treat, with renewed earnestness of prayer, 
that we may be graciously heard. 

What form of prayer is a Litany ? (A general 

supplication.) — What do you mean by supplication? 

(Earnest prayer.) — When is the Litany to be used? 

The Invocation^ or Act of calling upon God. 

Ver. 1. 4. How, and by what names, do we entreat 
God in this form of prayer ? 



V 



The Litany. 



Prove from Scripture that the Father is God. (See 2 John 3.) 
— How does Christ say all men should honour Him, the Son I 
(John v. 23. Even as they honour the Father.) What does 
this prove ? (That the Son is God : see Isaiah xlii. 8.)— In Acts 
v. 3, to whom does Peter tell Ananias he had lied ? — To whom 
does Peter say, in the fourth verse, Ananias had lied ? — Com- 
paring these two, what does it prove ? (That the Holy Ghost 
is God.) — Prove from Scripture that there is but one God. 
(See 1 Cor. viii. 4.) — Into whose name did our Lord command 
his apostles to baptize all nations? (Matt, xxviii. 19) — What 
was St. Paul's parting blessing on the Corinthian Church ? 
(2 Cor. xiii. 14.) — What do these passages prove ? (That there 
are three Persons in one God.) 

Before each separately, and again before the Three 
in One, what do we confess ourselves to be ? (Miser- 
able sinners; on this term, see page 7.) — And as such, 
for what do we intreat ? (See Dan. ix. 4, &c. Ezra 
ix. 5, &c. Isaiah lxiv. 6 — 12.) 



The Deprecation, or Prayer against Evil. 

Verses 5 — 13. 

Ver. 5. Having addressed the Father, Son, and 

Holy Ghost, to whom do we more particularly direct 

our Prayer ? (To the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.) 

Offences of our forefathers ; give an instance of God's visiting 
the sins of the forefathers on the children, (i Sam. xv. 2. I 
remember Amalek ; see Exod. xvii. 8.)— Spare thy people, fyc. 
What has God our Saviour done which encourages us to intreat 
this? (See Acts xx. 28.) — Prove from Scripture that redemp- 
tion is by the blood of Christ. (Rev. v. 9. And they sang a 
new song, &c. ; redeemed us to God by thy blood, &c.) 

Ver. 6. In praying the Lord to deliver us from fill 

evil and mischief, what is mentioned first? (Sin.)—* 

Why is sin mentioned first ? (Because it is the source 

of all evil and mischief.) 

Who first tempted man to sin ? — How does the devil tempt 
ns ? — Show from the fall of our first parents what is meant by 
the crafts of the devil. (Gen. iii.)— Show from the history of 
Job what the assaults of the devil are. 

[448] B 



26 The Litany. 

Ver. 7. Blindness of heart, &c. Give an instance 
of each of the sins of the heart here mentioned. 
Example, Blindness of 



heart. In the Pharisees, Matt. xv. 14. 

Pride, — Nebuchadnezzar, Ban. v. 20. 

Vain-glory, — Herod, Acts xii. 21, &c. 

Hypocrisy, — Judas (with a kiss), Luke xxii. 47. 

Envy, — Joseph's Brethren, Gen. xxxvii. 11. 

Hatred, — Esau against Jacob, Gen. xxvii. 41. 

Malice, — Saul against David, 1 Sam. xviii. 



Where has St. Paul described charity at length ? (1 Cor. xiii.) 
—What is uncharitableness ? (The want of Christian love.) 

Ver. 8. What awful punishment did God send on 

the Israelites in the wilderness for fornication? (See 

1 Cor. x. 8; referring to Numb. xxv. 1 — 9.) 

' Deadly sin. 9 — What is that? (All sin exposes to eternal 
wrath, Gal. hi. 10; James ii. 10 ; but some sins, as fornication, 
in a peculiar manner harden the heart, and render our condition 
desperate. Prov. ii. 18.) — What other deadly sin can you men- 
tion ? (Drunkenness: 1 Cor. vi. 10. Neither fornicators nor 
drunkards shall, &c.) — What sin did Nehemiah, ch. xiii. 18, and 
Jeremiah, ch. xvii. 27, say had in an especial manner brought 
upon the Jews God's wrath ? (Sabbath-brealdng .) — From all the 
deceits of, what? — Yfhere did you first promise to renounce 
these ? — Having been at that time an infant, when are you called 
upon by our Church publicly to take these vows upon yourself ? 
(At Confirmation.) — When then you offer up this petition in the 
Litany, what effect should the recollection that you have been 
confirmed have upon you ? (Make me much more earnest in 
prayer to the Lord to deliver me, because the vows of God are 
upon me.) 

Ver. 9. From what evil and mischief more espe- 
cially hurtful to the body do you pray the Lord to 
deliver you ? 

Lightning and tempest.— When did our Lord deliver his dis- 
ciples from tempest ? (Matt. viii. 24.) 

Plague, pestilence, §c. — What encouragement have we, from 
the example of Solomon, to make deliverance from plague, pes- 
tilence, famine, battle, &c, the subject of public prayer in the 
house of God? (1 Kings viii. 37, &c. If there be in the land, &c.) 

Sudden death. — Give an instance of sudden death. (1 Kings 
xiii. 24, the disobedient Prophet by a lion; 2 Sam. vi. 7>Uzzah ; 
Acts v. 5, &c, Ananias and Sapphira.) 



The Litany. 



27 



Ver. 10. From what evil and mischief, which aims 
at the ruin of the Government under which we live, 
do we pray the Lord to deliver us ? 

Privy conspiracies. — What are they ? (Secret plots, Esther 
vi. 2, against Ahasuerus.) 

Rebellion. — What is that ? (Taking up arms against the king 
and government ; 2 Sam. xv. 10, Absalom.) 

From what evil and mischief, which aims at the ruin 

of the Church, do we pray the Lord to deliver us ? 

False doctrine. — What kind of prophets does our Lord say 
shall arise after Him ? (Matt. xxiv. 11. Many false prophets.) 
— What shall they do ? (Deceive many.) — What does this 
show ? (The necessity for this prayer. See Gal. i. 8. Comp. 
with vi. 14.) 

Heresy. — Give an instance of it. (2 Pet. ii. 1. Denying the 
Lord that bought them.) — And of its danger. 

Schism. — Give an instance of it. (1 Cor. i. 10. 12. I am of 
Paul, and I of Apollos, &c.)— And of its bad effect. (1 Cor. 
iii. 2—4.) 

W T hen did the disciples show hardness of heart ? (Markv\. 52. 
For they considered not the miracle, &c. See also Pharaoh, 
Escod. v. 2, contempt of God's word, and 2 Kings xvii. 13. 15.) 



Ver. 11, 12. By the mystery, &c. — What do you 
mean here by mystery? (That which is above our 
understanding.) 

Incarnation. — What is this? (Christ's taking on Him our 
nature. Heb. ii. 14. 16.) — How does St. Paul speak of this to 
Timothy? (1 lim. iii. 16. Great is the" mystery of godliness. 
God was manifest, &c. Phil. ii. 5 — 8. Made Himself of, &c.) 

Nativity. — What is this? (Birth, Luke ii. 7, with Isa. liii. 3.) 

Circumcision. — (A solemn act of religion by which persons 
were received into the Jewish Church, as we are now into the 
Christian Church by baptism. See page 55.) — By whom was 
Christ baptized? (Matt. iii. 13, 14.)— How long did He fast? 
(Matt. iv. 2.) — Where and by whom was He tempted? (Marie i. 
13.) — What encouragement have we from this to pray to Him ? 
(Heb. ii. 18. For in that He, &c, and iv. 15, 16. For we have 
not an High Priest, &c.) 

By thine agony and bloody sweat. — Where was this suffered ? 
(Matt. xxvi. 36. Luke xxii. 44.)— What kind of death did Christ 
die ? What does St. Paul say, which shows what an infamous 
death this was considered? (Gal. iii. 13. Cursed is every one 
that hangeth on a tree.) — What is Christ's death called ?-^ 

B 2 



28 



The Litany. 



Why ? (From his infinite dignity, and the value of the blessings 
procured for us by it.) — What was the last act of his wonderful 
humiliation for us ? (His burial.) 

Glorious resurrection and ascension. — How does St. Paul con- 
firm this to the Colossians ? {Col. ii. 15. Having spoiled prin- 
cipalities and powers, &c. See Eph. iv. 10.) — When was the 
coming of the Holy Ghost? (Acts ii. 4. On the day of Pentecost. 
See page 58.) — Who sent the Holy Ghost ? (John xiv. 16 ; xvi. 
7.) — How long will He remain with the Church ? (John xiv. 16, 
for ever.) 

By the mystery, &c. By thine agony, &c. Why are 
all these particulars of Christ's history here brought 
forward? (To intreat Him now to deliver us, by 
pleading from these wonderful proofs He has given us 
of his love. See Psalm xxv. 6.) 



Ver. 13. There are four times mentioned respecting 
which we should especially intreat the Lord to deliver 
us : which are they ? 

Show the danger to the soul of tribulation, or deep affliction. 
(Matt. xiii. 21. Parable of sower. When tribulation, &c. ; see 
Job iii. 1 — 4.) Show the danger of wealth by a Scripture ex- 
ample. (Mark x. 22. The rich young man.) 

Hour of death. — Had our Lord, as a man, a dread of death ? 
(Heb. v. 7. Strong crying and tears, &e., save from death.) — 
Did St. Paul feel death to be in itself an evil ? (2 Cor. v. 4. 
JNot that we would be unclothed, &c.) — The Litany is more 
especially a prayer to Christ: show that we are particularly 
directed to Christ for deliverance from the fear of death. (Heb. 
ii. 15. And deliver them, &c.) 

Day of Judgment. — How does St. Paul pray for Onesiphorus? 
(That he may find mercy at the day of judgment. 2 Tim. i. 18.) 
— What does this show ? (That the best of men have constant 
need to pray God to deliver them from condemnation at the day 
of judgment.) 

The Intercession^ or Prayer for others* 
Verses 14—32. 
Ver. 14. Having prayed the Lord to deliver us 
from those spiritual and temporal evils and mischiefs 
to which we may be exposed, we next beseech the 
Lord to hear us on behalf of others. 



The Litany. 29 

Whom do we first pray for ? (The Holy Church 
Universal. ) 

What is meant by the Holy Church Universal ? (The Holy 
Church throughout the world — Christians in every country.) 
—How does St. Paul describe all true Christians ? (Eph, vi» 
24. Grace be with all them that love, &c.) 

Ver. 15 — 18. Whom do we next pray for? (The 

Queen and Royal Family.) See page 49. 

What is meant by affiance ? (Trust.) — Over what enemies 
especially do we beseech the Lord to give the Queen victory ? 
(Her spiritual enemies.) 

Ver. 19. After our prayer for the Queen and Royal 

Family, whom do we next pray for? (The ministers 

of the Church, the Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.) 

Illuminate. — What does this mean ? (Enlighten by the Holy 
Spirit.) — Show from St. Paul's great anxiety to be prayed for 
by his people, our duty to pray for our ministers. {Eph. vi. 18, 
19. Pray always, &c, and for me. Rom. xv. 30. Strive in your 
prayers for me.) 

Ver. 20 — 22. After our Prayer for the ministers 
of the Church, w T hom do we next pray for? (The 
ministers of state, nobility, magistrates, and com- 
munity at large.) 

Show that all wisdom to govern, all ability to execute justice 
and maintain truth, is of God. (Prov. viii. 14. 16. Counsel is 
mine, and sound wisdom, &c.) — Give an example of a good 
minister of state. (Daniel vi. 4. See also ii. 20.) — And of a 
good magistrate. (1 Sam. xii. 4. Samuel.) 

Ver. 23. After our prayer for those of our own 

nation, whom do we next pray for? — What do we 

pray God to give to all nations? 

What is our encouragement from prophecy to this prayer? (Isa. 
ii. 4. Beat their swords, &c. ; nation shall not lift up sword, &c.) 

Ver. 24. After these prayers for the world at large, 
our own nation, and those who fill the most important 
public stations in it, what blessings do we intreat 
God to give us ? 

b 3 



30 



The Litany. 



What is meant by dread? (Reverence in the highest degree. 
Psalm lxxxix. 7. God is very greatly to be feared in the assem- 
bly of his saints, &c. See Gen. xviii. 27. Abraham.) 

Mention a promise of God to give us a heart to love, fear, 
and obey Him. {Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 27. A new heart also will I 
give yoo, &c. See verse 37.) 

Ver. 25. What blessings do we here intreat for all 
the people of God ? and for what purpose, particu- 
larly with reference to the public ministry of God's 
word ? 

What were St. Peter's last words to the Christian Church ? 
(1 Pet. iii. 18. Grow in grace, &c.) — In what spirit does St. 
James tell us to receive the word? (i. 21.) — What does St. Paul 
tell the Ephesians (v. 9) are the fruits of the Spirit ? 

Ver. 26. What do we pray God to do to those who 

have ' erred and are deceived?' 

How did our Lord speak to the Sadducees when they erred 
respecting the resurrection of the dead ? (Ye do err, not know- 
ing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.) — What does this 
teach us ? (That we ought to know the Scriptures, and to un- 
derstand, as far as we are able, the power of God.) — Who will 
teach us to know the Scriptures, and guide us into all truth ? 
(The Holy Ghost, who is the Spirit of Truth. John xvi. 13.) 

Ver. 27. In reference to the people of God, under 
whatever circumstances, what do we ask for those who 
stand ? for the weak-hearted ? for those w T ho fall ? and 
what, finally, for us all ? 

What are meant by such as do stand? (Those w r ho continue 
in the faith and practice of the Gospel. Phil. i. 5.) Who are 
the weak-hearted ? (Those who are fearful, or despair. Psalm 
lxxvii. 9-) — Fall into what ? (Sin.) — Show from Phil. i. 9, our 
duty to pray for those who do stand, no less than for those who 
are weak-hearted and fallen. (This I pray, that your love may 
abound, &c.) — Beat down Satan under our feet, what does this 
mean ? (Enable us to obtain a complete victory over the temp- 
tations of the devil. See Rom. xvi. 20. The God of peace 
shall bruise Satan, &c.) 

Ver. 28 — 30. We next pray for those in danger, &c. 

(28,) more particularly intreating the Lord to preserve 

many who may be supposed to be lawfully prevented. 



The Lit any \ 



31 



by liis providence, from attendance on public worship, 
or who, from their friendless condition, are peculiarly 
the objects of our compassion, 

Travel. — Show that St. Paul asked for the prayers of others 
on his journey. (Rom. i. 10.) 

All women, tyc. — How did Rachel die ? (Gen. xxxv. 16.) 

All sick persons . — What was the cause of Epaphroditus' re- 
covery from sickness ? (Phil. ii. 27. God had mercy on him.) 

Young children. — How does David speak of God's care of him 
in earliest youth ? (Psalm xxii. 9. Thou didst keep me in safety, 
while, &c. breast.) 

Prisoners and captives. — How does St. Paul tell us we ought 
to feel towards them? (Heb. xiii. 3. They that are in bonds, 
as bound with them. See Acts xii. 5. The Church for Peter.) 

Fatherless, widow, §c. — Show that God declares Himself espe- 
cially to be the God of the fatherless and widow. (Psalm lxviii. 
5. A father, &c. Bent. x. 18. He doth execute, &c.) 

Ver. 31. That we may not omit any one in our 

supplications, for whom do we here pray ? 

Prove, from what St. Paul says to Timothy, the duty of pray- 
ing for all men. (1 Tim. ii. 1. I exhort, &c) 

Ver. 32. How do we in this verse show that we 

make no exception to the prayer of the preceding 

verse? (By praying for our enemies.) 

Show the duty of praying for forgiveness of enemies, by the 
example of our Lord on the cross. (Luke xxiii. 34.) 



The Conclusion. Verses 33, 34. 

Ver. 33. Prove that we are taught in Scripture to 
trace the earth's fruitfulness to God's blessing. [Psalm 
civ. 13 — 15. He watereth the hills, &c.) 

Ver. 34. In this concluding supplication, what do 
we beseech God to give us ? (Repentance, forgiveness, 
and the Holy Spirit.) — What may these be said to in- 
clude ? (All things necessary to eternal happiness.) 

True repentance. — Show, from 2 Cor. vii. 10, the difference 
between godly and worldly sorrow ; and then illustrate, from 
the different conduct of Peter after denying, and of Judas after 
betraying our Lord, the difference between true and false re- 

B 4 



32 



The Litany. 



pentance. (See Exod. x. 16, Pharaoh; 1 Sam. xv. Saul; and 
1 Kings xxi. 29, and xxii. Ahab ; instances of false repentance : 
Jeremiah xxxi .18, Ephraim; Luke xix. 8, Zaccheus ; and Acts 
xix. 18, 19, the Ephesians ; instances of true repentance.) 

What are meant by negligences ? (Sins committed from want 
of diligence and watchfulness.) — In the parable of the talents, 
Matt. xxv. 14 — 30, which of the three servants was negligent? 
(He that hid his talent in the earth.) — What do we learn from 
his punishment ? (The great guilt of negligence to improve to 
God's glory what God gives us.) 

What are meant by ignorances ? (Sins committed from not 
knowing our duty, but where we had the means of knowing it.) 
. — Did St. Paul know he was doing wrong in persecuting the 
disciples of Christ? (1 Ttm. i. 13. He did it ignorantly.) — Yet, 
after his conversion, how did he view his former conduct? 
(1 Tim. i. 13. As having been that of a blasphemer, a perse- 
cutor, and injurious.) — Why ? (Because, though ignorant, he 
had the opportunity of knowing better.) — What does this teach 
us ? (The guilt of such ignorance, and therefore our need to 
pray to God to forgive us sins of ignorance.) — What encourage- 
ment have we from God's holy word to ask for the Holy Spirit ? 
(Luke xi. 13. If ye, then, being evil, &c.) 



When our Lord was very earnest in prayer in the garden of 
Gethsemane, how did He express it? {Matt. xxvi. 44. By repeat- 
ing three times the same words.) — What do we learn from this? 
(That repeating the same words in prayer is not a vain repeti- 
tion, but rather the natural expression of great earnestness.) 
—How does John the Baptist describe Christ to his disciples ? 
(John i. 29. Behold the Lamb of God, which, &c.)—Why ? 
(Because He was offered a sacrifice for our sins. Christ our pass- 
over, &c. 1 Cor. v. 70 — What] is the great subject of this ear- 
nest prayer ? (Mercy.) 

After the Lord's Prayer what does the minister 

say? (Deal not with us, &c.) — From what part of 

Scripture is this taken? (Psalm ciii. 10.) — What is 

meant by after our sins and iniquities? (According 

to, as we for our sins and iniquities deserve.) — The 

minister again says, 6 Let us pray,' — why ? (To make 

the congregation more attentive.) 



(Read the prayer, beginning, ' God, merciful Father, 9 fyc.) 
What is the subject of this prayer? (It is a prayer 



The Litany. 



33 



against trouble and persecution.) — What do you mean 
by persecution ? (Being cruelly treated on account of 
our love to religion.) 

Why was Daniel thrown into the lions' den ? (From 
his love to religion. Dan. vi. 5 — 10.) — How did the 
princes obtain a decree against him ? (By craft and 
subtilty, i* e. deceit. Dan. vi. 8.) — What became of 
them ? (They were brought to nought. Dan. vi. 24.) 

What will not God despise ? (See Psalm li. 17. The sacri- 
fices, &c.) — What does this show ? (That acceptable prayer 
may be offered to God without the use of words. See 1 Sam. 
i. 13. Hannah.) — Show what is meant by a contrite heart from 
the character of Josiah. (2 Kings xxii. 19. Because thy heart 
was tender, &c.) — What do we pray God to assist ? — What 
promise have we that God will assist us in prayer ? (Rom. viii. 
26. Likewise the Spirit helpeth our infirmities.) — When do 
we pray God to assist us ? — In the day of trouble what does 
God tell us to do ? (Psalm 1. 15. Call upon Him.) — Concern- 
ing what evils do we pray God graciously to hear us ? 

Subtilty of the devil. See page 25. — What is meant by God's 
Providence ? (His care and government of the world. Matt. x. 
29, 30.) — By what do we pray we may not be hurt ? — And why ? 

How do the congregation answer to this prayer ? (Not in 
the usual way, by saying Amen, but in a short sentence of 
Scripture, in which we vary the expression of earnest prayer.) 
This is again taken up by the minister ; then follow several 
short prayers, which the minister and people offer up by turns. 
(See Psalm xliv. 26 ; lxxix. 9 ; cvi. 8.) 

Son of David, have mercy upon us. — Why do we thus ad- 
dress Christ ? (Because, as the Son of David, He took on Him 
our nature, and can be touched with the feeling of our infir- 
mities. See Heb. iv. 15 ; ii. 14.) — After this the minister again 
invites them to joint and continued prayer, by saying, Let us 
pray. 



(Read the prayer which follows, beginning, ' We humbly 
beseech Thee/ fyc.) 

For what is this a prayer? (For God's protection 

from evil, and for holiness and pureness of living.) 

On what do we pray God as a Father mercifully to look ? 
What is meant by infirmities ? (Sins committed through weak- 
ness.) — Give an instance of this in the conduct of the three dis- 



34 



Prayers in Seasons of Calamity. 



ciples at Getbsemane. {Matt. xxvi. 41. The spirit willing, the 
flesh weak, &c.) — What do we pray God to turn from us ? — 
What is meant by righteously deserved ? (Justly deserved. 
See ham. iii. 39.) — In all our troubles, in what should we put 
our whole trust ? {Psalm cxlvii. 11.) — What do we pray God to 
grant? — How do we pray we may serve God? — Who is a 
mediator? (One who acts between two parties in order to 
reconcile them.) — Who is an advocate? (One who pleads on 
behalf of another to remove from him some evil, or to obtain 
for him some good.) — From the history of Onesimus, show how 
St. Paul was a mediator and advocate between him and his 
master Philemon. (See Epistle to Philemon, ver. 10, &c, par- 
ticularly ver. 18, compared with Isaiah liii. 6.) 

Who is our only Mediator and Advocate with the Father? 
(1 Tim. ii. 5. One Mediator, &c. 1 John ii. 1. If any man 
sin, we have, &c. John xiv. 6. I am the way, &c: no man 
cometh to the Father, but by me.) 



PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS UPON 
SEVERAL OCCASIONS. 

OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 

What part of the service follows the prayer begin- 
ning, 'We humbly beseech,' &c. ? (Any of the occa- 
sional prayers which it may be proper to use.) — How 
may these prayers be divided? (Into two classes: 
1. Prayers in seasons of calamity. 2. Prayers of in- 
tercession.) 

PRAYERS IN SEASONS OF CALAMITY. 
(Let each Prayer be read before it is explained.) 
1. As in time of drought for rain. 2. Of excessive 
rain for fair weather. 3. In time of famine. 4. War, 
&c. 5. Plague, &c. 

1. Prayer for Rain. 

At whose prayer was there not rain in Israel for three years 
and a half, and again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain ? — 
(Elijah. See James v. 17, refers to 1 Kings xvii. 1.) — Whose gift 
is the rain ? (Jer. v. 24. The Lord our God, that giveth rain.) 



Prayers of Intercession. 



35 



2. Prayer for Fair Weather. 

What awful fact is alluded to in this prayer? (See Gen. vii. 
21 — 24. 1 Pet. iii. 20.) — What promise, as an encouragement 
to us to use this prayer ? {Gen. viii. 21, 22.) — Of what is the 
rainbow a pledge? {Gen. ix. 13. 16.) 

3. Prayer in time of Famine. 

Show the horrors of famine, and God's merciful deliverance 
in the siege of Samaria. (2 Kings vi. 29 ; and vii.) 

4. Prayer in time of War and Tumults. 

Who does David say is the only giver of all victory ? (1 Chron* 
xxix. 11. Thine is the victory.) — How were Ahithophel's devices 
against David confounded ? (2 Sam. xv. 31. In answer to prayer.) 

5. Prayer in time of any common Plague or Sickness. 

How many thousands of the Israelites were destroyed by the 
plague for their obstinate rebellion against Moses and Aaron ? 
i — How did the obstinacy of their rebellion appear ? (See Numb, 
xvi. 28. 41.) — How was the plague stayed? {Numb. xvi. 46. 
See Rom. v. 11.) — How was the pestilence in the time of David 
removed? (2 Sam. xxiv. 16.) 

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION, 
{Let them be read separately , before they are explained.) 
1. When ministers are ordained. 2. For the par- 
liament when sitting. 3. For all sorts and conditions 
of men. 



1. Prayers for those to be admitted to Holy Orders. 

When is this prayer to be said ? — What do we pray 

God that He would do for his servants, the Bishops 

and Pastors of his flock? — What for those of whom 

they may make choice to serve in the sacred ministry ? 

What is meant by laying hands on? (It refers to the manner 
of ordaining ministers adopted by our Church from the example 
of the Apostles.) — What is Paul's direction to Timothy in the 
appointment of ministers ? (1 Tim. v. 22. To lay hands sud- 
denly on no man.) — What does this mean? (Not to appoint 
them without due care that they are qualified.) — Where are the 
ualifications for the Christian ministry particularly set forth in 
cripture ? (In the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.)— What is 
meant by function ? (Office.) 

b 6 



36 Prayer for the High Court of Parliament. 



(Repeat the Prayer that may be said after any of the former ; 
beginning, * God, whose nature, 3 §*c.) 

By what are we tied and bound? (See Rom. vii. 
23, 24.) To what should we look to loose us ? {James 
v. 11. Dan. ix. 9.) — For whose honour? [Luke iv. 18. 
The Spirit, &c. Captives, &c. . . . bruised.) 



2. Prayer for the High Court of Parliament. 

When is this prayer used ? — What is the subject 

of it? (That the Parliament so assembled maybe 

directed to do that which will most promote the glory 

of God, and the good of the Church and nation.) — 

What is meant by the High Court of Parliament ? 

(The great council of the nation.) 

Under whom is it assembled, and for what purpose ? (Chiefly 
to make laws.) — How do we pray God to direct their consulta- 
tions? — What are the best and surest foundations of a nation's 
prosperity? (Righteousness. Prov. xiv. 34. Righteousness ex- 
alteth a nation, but sin, &c.) — What brought upon the nations^ 
of Canaan their destruction ? (Deut. ix. 4. Their wickedness. 
See also Deut. viii. 19. 1 Sam. xii. 25.) — What do we pray may 
be always established among us ? 

(Here follows the Prayer for all conditions of men ; but this being 
used only when the Litany is not read, and therefore, being most 
generally connected with the Evening Prayer, it will be const- 
dered in its order in that Service.) 



OCCASIONAL THANKSGIVINGS. 

The General Thanksgiving. 
(Let it be read.) 
In offering up this thanksgiving, how do we de- 
scribe God? (As the Father or source of all mercies. 
See 2 Cor. i. 3.)— How ourselves ? (As unworthy.) — 
Who confessed himself less than the least of all God's 
mercies? (Gen. xxxiL 10. Jacob.)— After expressing 



Occasional Thanksgivings. 



37 



our thanks to God for his goodness generally to us 
and to all men, what does the Rubric direct? (See 
Gen. xxxv. 3.) — Why did Jacob build an altar at 
Bethel ? — What did Hannah, when God answered her 
prayer? (1 Sam. ii. 1.) — And Nebuchadnezzar, when 
his understanding returned ? {Dan. iv. 36, 37.) — 
How may what we here thank God for be divided? 
(Into two parts: Thanksgivings for temporal and for 
spiritual blessings. 1. Temporal blessings, as creation, 
preservation, and all other blessings of this life. 2. 
Spiritual blessings, as redemption, means of grace, 
hope of glory.) 

1. For what do we bless God? — What is there in our creation 
which especially calls for our thanksgiving ? That we are made 
capable of knowing, loving, and serving God.) — Mention some 
of the blessings of this life. (Health, friends, food, clothing, &c.) 

2. What blessings should we thank God for above all others ? 
— What is God's love in the redemption of the world by our 
Lord Jesus Christ? — What is meant by inestimable? (The 
value of which is too great to be told. 2 Cor. ix. 15.) — What 
are the means of grace ? (Those means by which God helps us 
to obtain salvation ; as the preaching of the Gospel, reading 
the Scriptures, prayer, the sacraments of Baptism and the 
Lord's Supper.) — Thus blessed by God, what do we beseech 
God to give us ? — Unfeignedly ; what does this mean ? (With- 
out pretence.) — How will a really thankful heart show forth 
God's praise ? — How do we show forth praise in our lives ? 
(John xiv. 15. If ye love me, keep, &c.) — How is this thanks- 
giving concluded ? 

After this thanksgiving follow others, as acknow- 
ledgments of answers to those prayers offered up in 
seasons of calamity, and which have been already 
referred to. 



CONCLUSION OF THE FIRST MORNING SERVICE. 

If none of the occasional thanksgivings above re- 
ferred to are used, what part of the service comes next? 



38 



A Prayer of St. Chrysostom. 



(The two last prayers of the Litany ; namely, a prayer 
of St. Chrysostom, and the Apostolic Benediction.) 

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom. 

To whom is this prayer more immediately addressed? 
(To God the Son.) — How does this appear? (From 
the promise referred to in it, Matt, xviii. 20. Where 
two or three, &c, which is the promise of Christ. 

TVhat is meant by e one accord?' (One mind.) — What is 
here meant by common supplications ? (Humble and earnest 
prayer, in which both minister and people unite.) — Why may 
we hope that such requests may be granted? — Who is ever 
present in the midst of us, however small the congregation ? — 
How do we ask our Lord to fulfil the desires and petitions 
which we have offered up throughout the service ? — What is 
meant by 7wo5^ expedient? (Best for us, for God's glory and 
our eternal welfare.) — Show by the prayers of our Lord in Geth- 
semane, the temper of mind here meant. {Matt. xxvi. 39. Not 
as I will, but, &c.) 

Having implied that, with regard to the things of this world, 
we know not what to pray for as we ought, in conclusion, we 
sum up all our wants in two petitions, the one relating to this 
world, and the other to the world to come; what are these 
petitions ? — What should we learn from them ? (That spiritual 
blessings are the things which we most need, and which we can 
ask for without any doubt of their being right. See Luke x. 42. 
One thing is needful.) 



THE APOSTOLIC BENEDICTION. 

2 Cor. xiii. 14. — What is meant by the grace of our 
Lord Jesus Christ? (His favour, his continued kind 
regard towards us. Heb. iv. 14; vi. 20; vii. 25.) — 
What is meant by the love of God? (The love of 
God, as a reconciled Father in Christ, 2 Cor. v. 18, 19.) 
— What is meant by the fellowship of the Holy Ghost ? 
(That we, with all other Christians, may be the con- 
stant partakers of the teaching and comfort of the 



Second Service. 39 

Holy Spirit. Rom. viii. 26. Acts ix. 31. Eph. ii. 18. 
22 ; iii. J 6 ; iv. 30. Rom. v. 5. Compare John iii. 5, 
with Rom. viii. 9. If any man have not, &c.) 



SECOND SERVICE, 

Or that part of the Communion Service which is read 
every Sunday, whether the Lord's Supper is celebrated 
or not. 

{Turn to the Communion Service.) 

With what does it begin ? — What comes after the 
Lord's Prayer ? 



(Read the Collect.) 

Unto whom are all hearts open and desires known? 
— In what Psalm does David particularly speak of 
God's all-seeing Providence ? (Psalm cxxxix. See 
also Gen. xvi. 13. Hagar; Peter, John xxi. 17, com- 
pared with Jer. xvii. 10. I the Lord search the heart, 
&c.) — How does St. Paul, in his Epistle to the He- 
brews, teach us, that 'no secrets are hid from God?' 
(Heb. iv. 13. All things are naked and open to the 
eyes of, &c.) — What do we pray God to cleanse ? 
— And how ? — What is meant by ' the inspiration of 
thy Holy Spirit?' (The Holy Spirit putting good 
thoughts into our hearts.) — Can we 6 cleanse our own 
hearts?' (No. Prov. xx. 9. Who can say, I have made 
my heart clean?) — How do we pray we may love 
God ?— When do we 6 perfectly love God ?' (Matt. 
xxii. 37. Thou shalt love, and with all thy, &c.) 
How do we pray we may magnify God's holy name ? — 



40 



The Ten Commandments. 



What is it worthily to magnify God's holy name ? 
(To praise Him in some measure suitably to his great- 
ness and goodness. See John xiv. 15.) 



THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 

What do we chiefly-learn by these commandments ? 
— By what authority is this distinction made ? {Matt. 
xxii. 37. 40. Our Lord's.) — St. Paul says the whole 
law is fulfilled in one word ; what is that word ? (Love. 
See Gal. v. 14 ; Rom. xiii. 10 ; and 1 John iv. 16. He 
that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, &c.) — What is 
our prayer after each of the commandments? (See 
1 Kings viii. 58.) — From this prayer what seems to be 
intended by the introduction of the Ten Command- 
ments in our service ? ( By their constantly reminding 
us of what we ought to do, and have left undone ; to 
impress on us more deeply our need of mercy for the 
past, and grace for the future.) — How are all the 
commandments to be explained? (According to their 
spiritual meaning, and not merely according to the 
letter.) — Illustrate this in the case of the sixth com- 
mandment. — How does our Lord explain it? (He 
teaches us that unjustifiable anger is murder in the 
sight of God. Matt. v. 22.)— What does St. John call 
him who hates his brother ? (1 John iii. 15. A mur- 
derer.) — What do we learn from such explanations of 
the commandments? (That the evil imaginations of 
the heart are considered as sinful by God.) — How 
does this show the great suitableness of the Collect 
used immediately before the Ten Commandments 
are read, Cleanse the thoughts, &c. ? — How does 



Collects for the Queen. 



41 



the last prayer of the people differ from the other ? — 
What encouragement have we to pray that God would 
write all these laws in our hearts ? (It is the great 
promise of the new covenant. Heb. viii. 10.) 



COLLECTS FOR THE OUEEN. 

(Read the first Collect.) 

In what parts of Scripture are our duties to the queen 

particularly set forth ? (Rom. xiii. 1. 1 Pet. ii. 13.) 

What is here meant by minister ? (Servant.) — Whose servant 
is the queen ? (Rom. xiii. 4.) — And as such, what do we pray 
the queen may above all things seel ? — Whose authority has the 
queen ? (Rom. xiii. 1. The powers that be are ordained of God.) 
— And as such, what do we pray with regard to ourselves and 
all her subjects ? — In thee, and for thee ; what does this mean ? 
(That we should submit to lawful authority for conscience' sake 
towards God. Matt. xxii. 21.) 



(Read the other Collect.) 

In whose rule and governance are the hearts of kings? — 
Where are we taught this ? (Prov. xxi. 1. The king's heart is 
in the hand of the Lord.) — How does God dispose and govern 
the hearts of kings ? — What does God call Nebuchadnezzar, 
although a heathen king ? (His servant, Jer. xxv. 9.) — Why ? 
(Because his purposes were overruled by God to do his will. 
See Isaiah x. 5 — 7.) — How do we pray God to dispose the heart 
of our queen ? — What is meant by wealth ? (Prosperity.) 

After this follow >, as stated in the Rubric, the Collect, 
Epistle, and Gospel for the day. 



COLLECT FOR THE DAY. 
(See page 22, where it has been already noticed.) 
GOSPEL AND EPISTLE. 

Portions of Scripture appointed to be read after the 
Collect for the day; and generally the first from the 
Epistles, and always the second from the Gospels. 



42 



The Nicene Creed. 



Have these portions of Scripture been long used on 
the same days we now use them ? (Most of them have 
been so used more than 1200 years.) 

What may be considered as a peculiar excellence 
in the services of our Church? (That so large a 
portion of them are from the Bible, not only many of 
its prayers being in the language of Scripture, but 
so much of the word of God being read in them by 
means of the Lessons, Psalms, Hymns, Epistle, and 
Gospel.) 



THE NICENE CREED. 
{Let it be repeated.) 

c I believe in one God ? what is meant here ? (That 
though about to declare our belief that the Son is God, 
and the Holy Ghost is God, equally with the Father, 
we still hold as the doctrine of Scripture, there are 
not three Gods, but one God.) 

6 One Lord Jesus Christ what does this mean ? 
(That the Divine and human nature of Christ form 
but One Person.) 

Where does St. John speak of Christ as the only -begotten of 
the Father? {John i. 14.) — And as living before all worlds, i. e. 
before any thing was made? {John i. 1.) — Why is the Lord 
Jesus Christ called God of God, and very God of very God? 
(To express, as far as language can express it, that Christ is 
truly God, of the same nature as the Father.) — How does St. 
Paul express this in his Epistle to the Colossians? {Col. i. 15. 
Image of the invisible God.) — How in his Epistle to the 
Hebrews ? {Heb. i. 3. The brightness of the Father's glory, 
and the express image, &c.) — Where does St. John call God 
light? (1 John i. 5. God is light.)— Why is Christ called 
Light of Light? (As proceeding from the Father.)— Where 
does St. John say all things were made by Christ ? {John i. 3. 



The Nicene Creed. 



43 



See also Col. i. 16.) — Why did Christ come down from heaven ? 
— What is meant by incarnate ? — (Made flesh, that is, made 
man.) — By what remarkable illustration did our Lord foretel 
his crucifixion to Nicodemus \ {John iii. 14.) 

Suffered and was buried, fyc. — What circumstances most un- 
likely to have happened with regard to the death and burial of 
Christ, did Isaiah, 700 years before the event, foretel ? (Isa. 
liii. 9, compared with Mark xv. 27, 28. 43 — 46. That, though 
dying as a criminal, He should be buried honourably.) 

Rose again according to the Scriptures, fyc. — By what remark- 
able illustration did our Lord foretel his resurrection on the 
third day ? (Matt. xii. 40.) — How long after our Lord's resur- 
rection was his ascension? (Acts i. 3.) — How and for what 
will He come again ? (Matt. xxiv. 30 ; xxv. 13.) 

Whom do we declare the Holy Ghost to be ? — 
Where does St. Paul call the Holy Ghost, Lord ? 
(2 Cor. iii. 17. Now the Lord is that Spirit, &c.) — 
What is meant by the Holy Ghost being the c Giver 
of life?' (The giver of spiritual life. See John 
iii. 5.) 

What is it to be spiritually minded ? (To have a heart under 
the influence of the Holy Spirit.) — Who spake by the prophets ? 
(See 2 Pet. i. 21.) — What is meant by the Holy Ghost speaking 
by the prophets ? (The Holy Ghost put into the minds of the 
prophets what they should say and write.) 

What is meant by Catholic? (Universal.) — Why 
is the Church called Apostolic ? (Because it was 
established by the Apostles, and holds the doctrines 
which they taught.) — What is meant by one Catholic 
Apostolic Church? (That all people, however scattered 
over the world, or in whatever period of time living, 
who truly believe and obey the doctrines of salvation, 
form one, and but one Church.) 

On what foundation is this Church built ? (On the founda- 
tion of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being 
the chief corner-stone. Eph. ii. 20.) 



44 



Magnificat. 



Where does St. Peter imply the necessity of bap- 
tism for the remission of sins? (Acts ii. 38. Repent, 
and be baptized for the remission, &c.) 

How is Saul said to wash away his sin ? (See Acts xxii. 16.) 
— How does St. Peter explain the spiritual intention of Bap- 
tism ? (1 Pet. iii. 21. Not the putting away of the filth of the 
flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God.) — 
What do we learn from this ? (That the use of the outward 
and visible sign will not save us without repentance, whereby 
we forsake sin ; and faith, whereby we stedfastly believe the pro- 
mises of God made to us in that sacrament. See Acts viii. 13. 23.) 



For what do we declare that we are looking ? 

In what chapter of St. Paul's first Epistle to the Corinthians 
does he particularly dwell on the resurrection of the dead ? — In 
which of our services is this read ? (The Burial of the Dead.) 
— Show from the last verse of this chapter, that this looking 
for the resurrection of the dead requires the utmost diligence 
on our part. (1 Cor. xv. 58. Wherefore be ye stedfast, &c. 
See also Phil. iii. 11. If by any means I, &c.) 



EVENING SERVICE. 

How far is the Evening Service the same as that 
for the Morning? (To the end of the verses which 
follow the Lord's Prayer.) — What does the Rubric 
then direct to be said? (See page 12.) — And what 
next? (See page 13.) — And after the first Lesson 
what follows ? 



magnificat, Luke i. 46. 
(Let this hymn be read, and let the verses be numbered 1 — 9.) 
By whom was this sacred song or hymn said ? — On 
what occasion? — What is the subject of it? (It is a 



Magnificat. 



45 



song of rejoicing for the coming of God our Saviour, 
in which He so remarkably displayed his condescen- 
sion, power, mercy, and truth. See Psalm viii. 4, 5.) 



Ver. 1 . How do you explain the meaning of the word mag- 
nify ? (By Psalm 1. 23. Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth me. 
See also page 17, ver. 24.) 

Ver. 2. In whom does Mary here rejoice ? — Why ? — What 
is meant by lowliness ? (Low condition, obscurity, and poverty.) 
— How does it appear, from the nature of Mary's offering at the 
temple, that she was poor ? (See Luke ii. 24, compared with 
Lev. xii. 7, 8.)— What is meant by hand-maiden? (Servant, 
meaning herself.) : 

Ver. 3. What does she say all generations shall call her? — 
Why ? (Because she was to be the mother of our Lord.)— 
What is yet a greater blessing than to be the Mother of ou 
Lord ? (To hear the Word of God, and keep it. Luke xi. 28. 
See also Matt. xii. 48, 49. Who is my mother, &c.) 

Ver. 4. What does magnify mean here ? (Make great, by 
greatly honouring before others. Joshua iv. 14.) 

Ver. 5. On whom is God's mercy ? 

Ver. 6, What is meant by God's showing strength with Ms 
arm ? (Showing his mighty power ; power in man being chiefly 
shown by the arm.) — Whom does God scatter? (Remember 
Pharaoh, Sennacherib, Herod. Matt. ii. 8, &c.) — In what ? — 
What is meant by the imagination of their hearts ? (In those 
schemes by which they thought they were most fully succeed- 
ing.) — How was this illustrated in the crucifixion of our Lord ? 
(The Jews thought by it to have destroyed Christianity, but by 
that very act Christianity was established ; they were scattered, 
and their city utterly destroyed. 1 Cor. iii. 19. He taketh, &c, 
and Heb. ii. 14. Through death destroy him that had, &c.) 

Ver. 7. Whom does St. Paul say God hath chosen to confound 
the mighty ? (1 Cor. i. 27, compared with Actsiv. 13.)— Whom 
does God exalt? (Remember Moses, Mordecai, Daniel, &c.) 

Ver. 9. What does holpen mean? (Given help to.) — What 
help is here meant? (Salvation by Christ.) — Who was first 
called Israel? {Gen. xxxii. 28.) — To whom was this name after- 
wards given? — Who are Abraham's seed, to whom this promise 
refers ? (All, whether Jews or Gentiles, who walk in the steps 
of that faith which he had. Rom. iv. 13. Gal. iii. 8, 9. 29.) — 
Have not then all cause with Mary to praise God our Saviour, 
for the blessings of redemption ? — But who especially ? (The 
meek and humble poor, who here see that their lowliness is no 
hindrance to their enjoyment of God's greatest blessings. See 
James ii. 5. Hath not God chosen, &c.) 



46 



Song of Simeon. 



\ 



THE NINETY- EIGHTH PSALM. 
(Let the Psalm be read.) 

What is the subject of this Psalm ? (It foretels the 
glory of Christ's salvation.) 

Ver. 1. Where is this salvation spoken of as a new song? 
(Rev. v. 9 ; xiv. 3.) 

Ver. 2. Victory over what ? (The enemies of our salvation. 
Col. ii. 15.) 

Ver. 3. What is meant by Ms righteousness, &c. ? (His faith- 
fulness in sending Christ according to his promise. See also 
item. iii. 25, as to the nature of righteousness by Christ.) 

Ver. 4. He hath remembered his mercy and truth, fyc. ; what 
does this mean ? (Shown He had never forgotten those promises 
which his mercy led Him to make, and his truth required Him 
to perform. 1 John i. 9. Faithful and^wsJ, &c.) 

Ver. 7. What was a shawm ? (A musical instrument, called 
also a cornet.) 

Ver. 9. For what is Christ coming ? 

Ver. 10. How will He judge the earth ? (See Rom. ii.) — 
What is equity? (Justice.)— How may we look forward to the 
day of judgment with rejoicing ? (Phil. iii. 9. By being found 
in Him, not having, &c. ; and 1 John iv. 16, 1?. By dwelling 
in love.) 



(Read the Rubric.) 

After this comes the Second Lesson for the Evening 
Service. 

From what part of the Bible is this taken ? ( From 
the Epistles.) — What follows the Second Lesson for 
the Evening Service ? 



song of simeon. Luke ii. 29. 
(Let it be read.) 
By whom was this hymn said? — On what occasion? 
(See Luke ii. 27.) 

Ver. 1. What does Simeon mean by departing? (Dying.) 
According to thy word; what does this mean t (The promise of 



The Sixty-seventh Psalm. 



47 



God to him, that he should not see death till he had seen the 
Lord's Christ.) Compare Luke ii. 25, and Psalm xxxvii. 37 ; 
also Numb, xxiii. 10, with xxxi. 8. Balaam's prayer and death, 
and 1 Chron. xxviii. 9- David's dying advice to Solomon. 

Ver. 2. Thy salvation; what does Simeon here mean ? (Christ, 
who was then in his arms.) — Why is Christ called the salvation 
of God ? (Heb. v. 9. Author of, &c. ; and Acts iv. 12. Neither 
is there salvation, &c.) 

Ver. 4. To whom was Christ to be a light ? — Mention some 
prophecies, particularly in Isaiah, which declare this. (Isaiah 
xlii. 6 ; xlix. 6 ; lxi. 1 — 3.) — Of whom was Christ to be the 
glory ? (It was prophesied, Hag. ii. 9, that the second temple, 
though very inferior as a building to the first temple, should 
far exceed it in glory.) — How was this prophecy now fulfilled ? 
(By the presence of Christ, as God manifest in the flesh.) — How 
was Christ to be the glory of God's people, Israel? (In three 
respects, as being, 1. Born of that race ; of whom, as concern- 
ing the flesh, Christ came, Rom. ix. 5 ; 2. First preached among 
them. Luke xxiv. 47. Beginning at Jerusalem, &c. Acts hi. 26; 
3. And by them, Acts ii. 7. Are not all these, &c. Galileans ?) — 
How will Christ be the glory of his people Israel ? (By their con- 
version to Him. Rom. xi. 26 ; and so all Israel shall be saved.) 

How may we, though not permitted now to see 
Christ, enter into the spirit of this song of Simeon ? 
(By looking to Christ by faith, as He is made known 
to us in the Bible. 1 Pet. i. 8. Heb. xii. 2. 14.) 



THE SIXTY- SEVENTH PSALM. 
{Let the Psalm be read.) 

What does this Psalm express? (Our earnest de- 
sire that all nations may know and rejoice in God's 
salvation.) 

Ver. 1. What is meant by the light of God's countenance? 
(His favour through Christ.) 

Ver. 2. What by thy way ? (The Gospel.)— What by thy 
saving health ? (Salvation, which restores the soul to spiritual 
health.) — What encouragement have we from Scripture to pray 
that all nations may be partakers of this salvation ? (Psalm 
lxxxvi. 9. All nations whom thou hast made shall, &c. Rev. xi, 
15. All the kingdoms of the world shall become, &c.) 



43 



Second Collect at Evening Prayer. 



J 



Ver. 6. If all the world were thus brought to praise God 
through Christ, what would then be the effect ? (See Isaiah xi. 
6. 1 Tim. iv. 8. Godliness hath the, &c.) What is that which 
by hiding the light of God's countenance, or his favour from 
the earth, fills it with misery ? (Sin. See Isaiah lix. 2. Your 
sins have separated, &c. Jer. v. 25. Your sins have withholden 
good things from you.) 



After this Psalm or the preceding Hymn, the ser- 
vice proceeds as in the morning- to the end of the 
Collect for the day. After which follows the Second 
Collect. 



THE SECOND COLLECT AT EVENING PRAYER. 

From whom do all holy desires, all good counsels, 
and all just works proceed ? (2 Cor. iii. 5. Not that 
we are sufficient of ourselves to think, &c. Phil. ii. 13. 
It is God that worketh in us to will and to do, &c.) 
— What do we pray God to give us ? — What encou- 
ragement does our Saviour give us to pray for peace ? 
[John xir. 27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give, 
&c.) — How do we obtain peace with God? [Rom. v. 1. 
Therefore being justified by faith, we have, &c.) — 
When do we obtain peace of mind? (When, through 
God's grace, our desires are holy, our counsels good, 
our works just. Isaiah xxxii. 17. And the work of 
righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteous- 
ness, quietness, and assurance for ever.) — What cannot 
the world give us ? — Who that had the best means of 
knowing this, proved by his experience that the world 
could notgive us peace? (Solomon. Eccles. i. 14. Be- 
hold, all is vanity and vexation, &c. See also Estlier 
v. 13. Haman.) — What is meant by the expression, 'set 



A Prayer for the Queen's Majesty. 



49 



to obey?' (Steadily resolved. See Josh. xxiv. 15, and 
Acts xxi. 13. Paul.) — From what do we pray to be 
defended ? — Why? 



THE THIRD COLLECT. 

What is meant by c lighten our darkness?' (Psalm 
xviii. 28. Protect us while we are unable to protect 
ourselves, or even to know our danger.) — Show, from 
Scripture, that the darkness does not hide us from 
God. (Psalm cxxxix. 10. The night shineth as the 
day, the darkness and light are both alike to Him. 
See also Exod. xii. 12, 13. 29.) — Who enlightens the 
eyes of our understanding? (Eph. i. 18. The Holy 
Spirit.) — How ? (By giving us a saving knowledge of 
divine truth.) — What are some of the perils and dangers 
of night? (Fire, thieves, disease, sudden death, evil 
thoughts, distressing dreams, &c.) — In what state of 
mind does David teach us to lie down at night? 
(Psalm iv. 8. I will both lay me down in peace and 
sleep ; for it is Thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell 
in safety. For the love, &c. See Eph. i. 6, accepted 
in, &c.) 



A PRAYER FOR THE QUEEN'S MAJESTY. 

Where does the word of God command us to pray 
for kings? (1 Tim, ii. 2.) — How do we address God 
in this prayer? (See 1 Tim. vi. 15. King of kings, &c. 
Prov. viii. 15. By me kings, &c.) — Where is God's 
throne ? (Psalm xi. 4. The Lord's throne is in heaven, 
his eyes behold, his eyelids try the children of men.) — 
Whom do we beseech God with his favour to behold ? 
— What is meant by < replenish?' (Fill.) — With what 

[448] c 



50 A Prayer for the Clergy and People. 

do we pray God to replenish the Queen ? — And for 
what purpose ? — What is meant by 4 endue ?' ( Supply, 
give abundantly.) — With what do we pray God to 
endue the queen ? — What are heavenly gifts? (Spi- 
ritual blessings. Gal. v. 22.) — In what do we pray she 
may long live? — What does 'wealth' here mean? 
(Prosperity.) — What is meant by ' attain ?' (Come to.) 
— What do you pray she may attain, or come to, after 
this life? — What is meant by 'felicity?' (Happiness.) 



A PRAYER FOR THE ROYAL FAMILY. 

How do we address God in this prayer ? — What is 
meant by 4 Fountain of all goodness?' [James i. 17. 
Every good gift and every perfect, &c.) — Whom do 
we beseech God in this prayer to bless? — How do we 
beseech God to bless the Royal Family? — There are 
four petitions offered up ; mention what they are. 



After the Prayer for the Royal Family, what follows? 

A PRAYER FOR THE CLERGY AND PEOPLE. 

(Let it be read.) 

What are 1 marvels ?' (Wonderful works.) — What 
is here meant by thus addressing God as alone work- 
ing great marvels ? (That the working of the mighty 
power of God in blessing the ministry of his word can 
alone save us. 1 Cor. iii. 5 — 7; compared with 2 Cor. 
xi. o. Acts xviii. 24.) — Who are meant by curates? (All 
those who are duly appointed to the cure or care of 
souls.) — What do we pray God to send down upon 
bishops and curates, and all congregations committed 



Prayer for all Conditions of Men. 51 



to their charge ? — What is meant by the healthful Spirit 
of thy grace ? (The Holy Spirit.) — Why is the Holy 
Spirit so called? (Because he keeps the soul in health, 
i. e. in the practice of holiness.) — That they may truly 
please God, what do we pray Him to pour on them ? 
(The continual dew, &c.) — What does this mean? 
(That the help of the Holy Spirit is constantly neces- 
sary. Gal. v. 25.) — To what do we compare the in- 
fluences of the Holy Spirit ? (To the refreshing effects 
of dew upon the earth. Deat. xxxii. 2.) — For what do 
we pray the Lord to grant this prayer ? 



When there are no occasional prayers used, what 
follows the prayer for the clergy and people ? 

PRAYER FOR ALL CONDITIONS OF MEN. 
(Let it be read.) 
When is this prayer to be used ? — For whom is this 
a prayer? — Show the suitableness to that object of the 
names by which we here address God. 

This prayer may be divided into intercession for, 
L Mankind generally, and all nations; 2. The Church 
of Christ more especially; 3. And, finally, the afflicted* 

1. Whatever may be the condition of men, what 
does it most concern them to know? (The way of 
salvation. Eph. ii. 12.) — And, therefore, in this prayer 
what are we taught to ask for them ? — What do we 
pray God it may please Him to 6 make known to all 
nations T (1 Tim. ii. 4.) — What is meant by his saving 
health? (Salvation by Christ.) 

2. By whom do we pray 'the Catholic Church' may 
be guided and governed ? (Neh. ix. 20.) — What is 
the Catholic Church ? (The whole Church of Christ 

c 2 



52 Prayer for all Conditions of Men. 



on earth.) — Into what do we pray that all who profess 
and call themselves Christians may be led by the 
Spirit? ( John xvi. 13. Howbeit, when He, the Spirit of 
Truth, &c.) — What is meant by 'holding the faith?' 
(Steadily keeping to the great doctrines of the Gospel. 
See Phil. iii. 8.) — How do we pray they may hold the 
faith? — What is meant by holding the faith 6 in the 
unity of the Spirit,' &c. ? (Keeping to the truth in a 
spirit of love to each other, and obedience to God. See 
1 Cor. i. 10.) — When did the Church of Christ re- 
markably enjoy this blessing? (Acts ii. 47; iv. 32.) 

To what do we commend the afflicted ? — What 
kinds of affliction are mentioned? (The history of 
Job may be used to illustrate each head : 

6 Mind.' Job vi. 4. For the arrows of the Almighty 
are within me, &c. 

* Body.' Job ii. 7. Sore boils from, &c. 
^Estate.' Job i. 14 — 17. The loss of goods.) 

What does the Rubric here direct? — What oppor- 
tunity is here afforded you ? (Of remembering in my 
prayers any whom I know to be in trouble. See Psalm 
xxxv. 13.) — What do we pray it may please God to do 
to the afflicted ? — What to give them under affliction ? 
(See Job i. 21. Levit. x. 3. Aaron. 1 Sam. iii. 18. Eli. 
Luke xxii. 42. Christ.) — And what out of it? (See 
Job xlii. 1 0. Heb. xii. 1 1 .) — What is meant by 6 issue ?' 
(Deliverance. See Rom. viii. 37. Rev. xxi. 4. And 
God shall wipe away all tears, &c.) 



The Evening Service then concludes with the 
General Thanksgiving, the Prayer of St. Chrysostom, 
and the Apostolic benediction. (See pages 37, 38.) 



APPENDIX. 



FESTIVALS. 

What is the meaning of 'Festival/ as used in a religious sense ? 
(A season set apart for holy joy.) 

What weekly festival do we keep ? — When was the Sabbath 
appointed ? (To our first father Adam in paradise. Gen. ii. 3.) 

What great event was Adam to celebrate on that day ? (The 
creation of the world.) 

What great event, besides the creation of the world, were the 
Jews commanded to rejoice in on that day ? (Their deliverance 
from Egypt.) 

What great event, besides the creation of the world, do we 
celebrate on the Sabbath-day ? (The resurrection of our Lord.) 

Which was the greatest of these events ? — Why ? (Because 
we are created anew in Christ Jesus to eternal life, Eph. ii. 10; 
and are delivered by Him from far greater than Egyptian bond- 
age, from the bondage of sin and Satan. Acts xxvi. 18.) 

On what day of the week did our Lord rise from the dead ? 
(See John xx. 1.) 

What traces have we in the New Testament of the Apostles 
and first Christians meeting on that day for public worship? 
(Compare John xx. 19- 26. Acts xx. 6, 7. 1 Cor. xvi. 2 ; which 
direction the Apostle had given to the Churches of Galatia, 
1 Cor. xvi. 2 ; it was also, Rev. i. 10, the day distinguished by 
the Churches of Asia as the Lord's day.) 

What festivals of Divine appointment were there among the 
Jews besides that of the Sabbath ? (The festival or feast of the 
Passover, Exod. xii. 3 ; of Pentecost, Exod. xxxiv. 22 ; and of 
Tabernacles, Levit. xxiii. 34.) 

What other yearly festival had the Jews, not of Divine ap- 
pointment, and which our Lord particularly sanctioned by his 
presence ? (The feast of Dedication. John x. 22.) 



54 



Appendix. 



Has our Church, under these sanctions, appointed any yearly 
festivals, and with what object ? (To render more familiar and 
impressive the great facts and doctrines connected with our 
redemption by Christ.) 

(Here it may be remarked, that the portions of Scripture and 
Collects appointed to be read on these days by our Church best 
explain the practical intention of the festivals.) 



THE HISTORY OF OUR BLESSED LORD, &C. 

What festivals has our Church appointed, more immediately 
connected with the history of our blessed Lord ? 

[I.] THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE VIRGIN MARY. 

What do we commemorate on that day ? (The wonderful fact 
of our Lord's taking upon Him our nature. Isaiah vii. 14. 
Luke i. 26, &c.) 

Why is it called the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary ? (Be- 
cause the angel Gabriel announced or told to her that she should, 
in a miraculous manner, be the mother of our Lord.) 



[2.] ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. 

How does the importance of this festival appear ? (From the 
importance of John the Baptist's office, as the forerunner of our 
Lord. See Isa. xl. 1. Mai. iii. 1. Luke i. 76.) 

What did our Lord say of him ? (That among them that are 
born of women there hath not arisen a greater than John the 
Baptist. Matt. xi. 11.) 



[3.] CHRISTMAS DAY. 

What do we commemorate on this day ? — What proper Psalms 
has our Church appointed for this day ? (Psalms xix. xlv. lxxxv. 
in the Morning ; Psalms lxxxix. ex. exxxii. in the Evening.) 
(Turn to the xixth Psalm.) 

Of what are we reminded in this Psalm, as applicable to the 
coming of our Lord ? (Of his coming as the Sun of Righteous- 
ness, enlightening all the nations of the earth with his salvation. 
See Rom. x. 11.) 

Why was Psalm xlv. chosen ? (As being prophetic of Christ's 



Appendix, 



55 



glory and that of his Church. Compare the 6th and 7th verses 
with Heb. i. 8, 9.) 

In Psalm lxxxv. of what are we reminded in the 10th verse? 
(That in redemption by Christ, mercy and truth met together, 
&c. Rom. iii. 26.) 

Show the suitableness of Psalm lxxxix. to this day ? (Because 
in the coming of our blessed Lord were fulfilled the mercies 
there promised to David as the type of Christ. See the 27th 
and 36th verses compared with Col. i. 15, 16, and Rev. 
xix. 16.) 

What is the subject of Psalm ex. ? (A prophecy of Christ's 
kingdom and subjects, his priesthood, triumphs, and sufferings. 
Acts ii. 34. Heb. v. 6.) 

In Psalm exxxii. what allusion is there to Christ ? (Compare 
the 11th and 12th verses with Acts ii. 30; and see hake i. 69.) 

From what are the first Lessons for the Morning and Evening 
Services taken ? and to what do they direct us ? (The Prophecies 
concerning Christ's coming, particularly referring to his divine 
nature, Isa. ix. 6 ; and miraculous birth, Isa. vii. 14.) 

To what does the second Lesson for the Morning Service 
direct us ? (The completion of those prophecies, by giving us 
the history of our Lord's coming. Jbuke ii. 1 — 15.) 

What are we taught by the second Lesson for the Evening 
Service ? (The love of God our Saviour in thus coming. See 
Tit. iii. 4.) 

What do we pray for in the Collect for the day ? (The daily 
renewing of the Holy Ghost.) 

What do we learn from the Epistle, Heb. i. 1, &c, and Gospel, 
John i. I, &c. ? (Who Christ is, and why He came.) 

Why was the Son of God thus manifested ? (That He might 
destroy the works of the devil. 1 John iii. 8.) 

In what words did the angels bring the shepherds the tidings 
of Christ's birth? (Behold, I bring, &c. Lnike ii. 10.) 

How, then, should we keep Christmas ? (We should rejoice 
in the Lord.) 



[4.] CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST. 

To what does this festival refer ? (To the rite by which our 



56 



Appendix. 



blessed Lord was made under the Mosaic law, and thus 
entered upon the fulfilment of all righteousness for us. See 
Gal. iv. 4.) 

To what great doctrine does our Church take this occasion 
to direct us ? (The necessity for the circumcision of the Spirit, 
that our hearts and all our members, being mortified from all 
worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things obey God's 
blessed will. See Rom. ii. 29. Col. ii. 11.) 



[5.] THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE : 

Commonly called (alluding to that which was required by the 

Mosaic Law) The Purification of St. Mary the Virgin. 
What remarkable circumstances accompanied this event? 
(The prophesying of Simeon and Anna.) 

"What prophecy was then fulfilled? (Hag. ii. 7 — 9.) 
Before the time of our Lord's coming, how long had the 
spirit of prophecy ceased in the Church ? (From the time of 
Malachi, which was more than four hundred years.) 

[6.] epiphany ; 
Or, the Manifestation or making known of Christ to the Gentiles. 
Why is this circumstance particularly a subject of our re- 
joicing ? (Because the knowledge of salvation, before the 
coming of Christ, was chiefly confined to the Jews. Amos iii. 2. 
Eph. iii. 5.) 

[7.] the innocents' day. 

Who are the Innocents here referred to ? (The young children 
of two years old and under at Bethlehem, whom Herod mur- 
dered in order to destroy the infant Jesus. See Matt. ii. 16.) 

Why is this solemnized as a festival ? (To bear in grateful 
remembrance our Lord's remarkable preservation, and as 
they were first to glorify God by dying in the cause of our 
salvation.) 

[8.] EASTER DAY. 

What do we commemorate on this day? — What does St. 
Paul say as to the importance of Christ's resurrection ? (1 Cor. 
xv. 17. 'If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain ; ye are yet 



Appendix. 



57 



in your sins.' And Rom. iv. 25. 'Raised again for our justi- 
fication.') 

"What is used in the service of this day instead of Psalm xcv. ? 
—What proper Psalms has our Church appointed for this day ? 
(ii. Ivii. cxi. in the Morning: cxiii. cxiv. cxviii. in the Evening.) 
— Why is the second Psalm read ? (Because it is a prophecy 
of Christ's triumph over his enemies, proved this day by his 
resurrection. See Acts iv. 25.) 

Who does St. Peter say is that 'stone' mentioned in the 
twenty-second verse of Psalm cxviii.? (See 1 Pet. ii. 4. 70 

To what does the first Lesson for this Morning's Service refer ? 
(The Passover. Exod. xii.) 

Why ? (Because the Passover was a type or designed resem- 
blance of our deliverance from hell this day, by Christ's glorious 
resurrection. 1 Cor. v. 7- Christ our Passover is, &c.) 

What is the second Lesson for the Morning Service? — Why 
was it chosen ? (To teach us that the design of Christ's resur- 
rection is to raise us to newness of life. Rom. vi.) 

To what does the first Lesson for the Evening Service direct 
us ? (To Moses and the Israelites passing through the Red 
Sea. Exod. xiv.) 

Why ? (To remind us how Christ, the leader of his people, 
Heb. ii. 10, will make them more than conquerors over every 
enemy, Rom. viii. 35, &c, of which his resurrection is the 
pledge.) 

What is peculiarly suitable to the day in the second Lesson 
for the Evening Service ? (St. Peter's illustration of the fulfil- 
ment of David's prophecy respecting our Lord's resurrection. 
See Acts ii. 25 — 28, compared with Psalm xvi. 8 — 11.) 

What is the subject of the Collect for the day? (The resur- 
rection of Christ, a motive to pray for holiness of heart and life.) 

What is the intention of the Gospel for the day ? (To bring 
before us the proof of our Lord's resurrection. John xx. 1, &c.) 

What is the subject of the Epistle? (An exhortation to 
heavenly-mindedness. Col. iii. 1.) 

[9.] THE ASCENSION DAY. 

How long after our Lord's resurrection was his ascension ? 
(Acts i. 3.) 



58 



Appendix. 



What gives such importance to his ascension? (His then 
entering heaven as our Mediator. Heb. ix. 24. Eph. iv. 8—13.) 

[10.] WHITSUNDAY. 

What do we commemorate on that day ? (The descent of 
the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, whereby the Apostles 
were qualified to preach the Gospel by the gift of tongues, and 
a larger measure of his holy influence was from that time poured 
out on the Church. Acts ii. 4. 37.) 

What are the proper Psalms for this day ? (xlviii. lxviii. 
Morning ; civ. cxlv. Evening.) 

How does the suitableness of these Psalms appear ? (In the 
application which their language admits to the establishment, 
after so many perils, of the Christian Church, b>y the outpouring 
of the Holy Ghost, whose presence is the pledge of its future 
and eternal triumph. See page 28.) 

What is the first Lesson for the Morning, and why chosen ? 
(Because on the feast of Pentecost happened the event we this 
day celebrate, when the first-fruits of the outpouring of the 
Spirit were consecrated by the conversion of 3000 souls. Deut. 
xvi. 9. Acts ii. 41.) 

What is the subject of the first Lesson for the Evening ? (It 
is a prophecy of the conversion of the Gentiles. Isaiah xi.) 

What is the subject of both the second Lessons, and especially 
of the portion of Scripture appointed for the Epistle? (The 
completion of the prophecy referred to in the first Lesson.) 

What is the subject of the Collect for this day ? (It is a 
prayer for the teaching and joy of the Holy Ghost.) 

[11.] TRINITY SUNDAY. 

Why is this made a festival ? (From the great importance of 
the doctrine of the Trinity. See page 21.) 

Why does it follow Whitsunday ? (Because the event cele- 
brated on that day completed the Gospel dispensation, and fully 
brought to light the doctrine of the Trinity, which in former 
ages was not fully made known.) 



THE EVANGELISTS, APOSTLES, &C. 

What festivals has our Church appointed in memory of those 



Appendix. 



59 



whose history is important as the publishers of the Gospel, 
whether by writing or preaching it ? ( The Festivals of the Holy 
Evangelists, and Apostles, including Barnabas, who was so re- 
markably separated by the Holy Ghost ; and Stephen, the first 
martyr after our Lord's ascension. Acts xiii. 2 ; vii. 59.) 



ALL SAINTS' DAY. 

What is the intention of All Saints' Day ? (To lead us to 
rejoice respecting all those who, from the beginning of the 
world to the present moment, however unknown by name, have 
departed this life in God's faith and fear, and escaping for ever 
from sin, and sorrow, and death, have entered into eternal 
happiness.) 

What do we pray for in the Collect for that day ? (For grace 
to follow them in all virtuous living, that so, &c.) 

In the portion of Scripture appointed for the Epistle, how 
are the redeemed from among mankind spoken of ? (Rev. vii. 
As a great multitude whom no man cpuld number.) — May we 
not well rejoice in such a result of the love of God in Christ to 
fallen man ? 

What is the intention of the Gospel for that day ? (To teach 
us what is the real character of saints, and so to enable us to 
judge of our state before God. Matt. v. 3, &c.) 



ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS. 

What is the intention of the festival of St. Michael and all 
Anyels? (To lead us to rejoice in the goodness of God, in 
appointing angels to be the means of communicating many 
blessings to us.) 

What Scripture authority have we for the fact that angels 
interest themselves in man's salvation ? (It appears from Matt. 
xviii. 10. Their angels do always, &c. And from Luke xvi. 
22. Lazarus carried by angels into Abraham's bosom. Also 
Luke xv. 10. There is joy in the presence of the angels of 
God. And Heb. i. 14. Are they not all ministering spirits sent 
forth, &c.) 

Twice John would have fallen down before an angel to wor- 
ship him ; — what was the angel's reply to this ? (Rev. xix. 10. 



60 



Appendix. 



and xxii. 9.) — Show from St. Paul's prayer for the Ephesians, 
that good men and angels form one family in heaven. (Eph. 
iii. 15. Of whom all the family in heaven and earth. See also 
Eph. i. 10.) 



"What may be considered as the three great festivals of our 
Church ? (Christmas Day, Easter Day, Whitsunday.) 

How are these particularly marked ? (By special days ap- 
pointed to attend them, viz. Before Christmas — Four Advent 
Sundays. After Christmas — Three Saints' days, the Circum- 
cision and the Epiphany, Before Easter Day — Lent and Easter 
Eve; and after Easter Day, Easter Monday and Tuesday. 
After Whitsunday — Whit-Monday and Tuesday.) 



FASTS. 

What is meant by ' Fast V (Abstaining from food.) 

What kind of abstinence does the Church teach us to pray 
that we may use, and for what purpose ? (That we may use 
such abstinence, that our flesh, being subdued to the Spirit, &c. 
See the collect for the first Sunday in Lent.) 

Though we have not a direct command, what Scriptural 
authority have we for fasting ? (Our Lord's declaration, Matt. 
six. 15. When the bridegroom is taken away, Sec; his con- 
necting fasting with prayer and almsgiving, Matt. vi. 16 ; his 
own example, Matt. iv. 2 ; and the practice of the Apostles 
and first Christians, after his ascension, Acts xiii. 2, justify the 
practice in us, and the appointment of seasonable Fasts by the 
Church.) 

What was the great Fast among the Jews ? (The Day of 
Atonement. See Lev. xvi. 2 — 17.) 

What is the great Fast appointed by the Church ? (Good 
Friday.) 

What is then commemorated ? (The death of our Lord on 
the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Col. i. 20.) 

Why is it called Good Friday ? (From the great good arising 
to mankind from the death of our Lord, which we that day 
commemorate.) 



Appendix. 



61 



What are the proper Psalms for this day ? (xxii. xl. liv. for 
the Morning ; and lxix. and Ixxxviii. for the Evening.) 

Why is the xxiind Psalm read ? (Because it is a remarkable 
prophecy respecting our blessed Saviour's crucifixion, and con- 
tains the very words He used upon the cross. Matt, xxvii. 43 — 
46. John xix. 23, 24.) 

In the xlth Psalm, what justifies the application of the 6th 
verse to our Saviour? (The Apostle's application of it to Him, 
Heb. x. 5. Wherefore, when He cometh into the world, He, &c.) 

What is the subject of the lxixth Psalm? (The sufferings of 
Christ, and the miseries that would befall his enemies, especially 
Judas. Matt, xxvii. 34. John xix. 29. Acts i. 20.) 

What are the Proper Lessons for this day ? — Why is the 
offering up of Isaac (Gen. xxii.) chosen? (Because it was a 
type or resemblance designed by God to shadow forth the offer- 
ing up of Christ, the only-begotten of the Father. See John 
viii. 56.) 

Why is Isaiah liii. read? (Because it in so remarkable a 
manner foretels the sufferings of Christ, and the intention of 
those sufferings.) 

What have we in the xviiith chapter of John ? (An account 
of our Lord being betrayed by Judas, of his denial by Peter, and 
accusation before Pilate.) 

From 1 Pet. ii. what do we learn? (A motive to patience, 
from the example of our Lord in his suffering; and to holiness, 
from his bearing our sins. See verses 21 — 25.) 

What is the subject of the Collects for this day ? (The first 
is for the Church, considered as the family of God ; the second 
is for each member of the Church ; the third is for the conver- 
sion and salvation of unbelievers.) 

What do we learn from the Epistle for this day ? Heb. x. 
(That the sacrifices of the Jewish law were types of Christ's 
sacrifice, and owed their efficacy to it. — The Gospel is from that 
of St. John, who was more than any other Evangelist an eye- 
witness of our Lord's crucifixion: John xix. 25. c Now there 
stood by the cross,' &c.) 

What is Lent} (Our Church, to mark the importance of the 
event commemorated on Good Friday, prepares her members for 
observing it by forty days of humiliation, called Lent.) 



62 



Appendix. 



What probably guided our Church in the appointment of 
forty days for that purpose ? (To remind us of our Lord's 

fasting and temptation in the wilderness. Matt, iv. 2.) 

N.B. The word Lent means Spring, this fast berng observed 
in Spring. 

What is the first day of Lent commonly called ? — What is 
meant by Passion-week ? (In order more fully to prepare for 
observing Good Friday, there is a special service for every day 
in the same week, which is usually called Passion-week ; 
alluding to our Lord's sufferings, which are then particularly 
brought before us.) 



We cannot conclude these exercises without remarking how 
admirably our Church has provided, by her festivals and fasts, 
for leading her members to spend life in the habitual exercise of 
faith in our Saviour, by constantly directing us to the great facts 
of his life, and to those whom the Holy Ghost has distinguished as 
his servants, that we may follow them as they followed Christ. 
We begin our year with his advent, in which we celebrate his 
incarnation, after that his birth, then his circumcision, his 

MANIFESTATION TO THE GENTILES, Ms EARLY LIFE, his FASTING 
AND TEMPTATION, Ms PASSION, Ms BURIAL, Ms RESURRECTION, 

his ascension, his sending the Holy Ghost. Our eyes are 
then fixed on the doctrine of the Trinity, as the great doctrine 
of the Gospel, the great fountain of blessing to sinful men. Numb. 
vi. 24 — 26, with 2 Cor. xiii. 14. 

In the language, then, of that good Archbishop, whose words were 
adopted as the motto for this tract, our prayer for you, my dear 
reader, is " that God would give you grace to use these and all 
your devotions in so right a manner, that from praying to Him 
amidst the troubles and sorrows of this world, you may be taken in 
his good time to praise Him for ever, amidst the joys of the world 
to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord" 



RULES 

FOR THE PROFITABLE USE OF THE COMMON PRAYER, 
FROM BISHOP BEVERIDGE. 



I. Come not to the public prayers of the Church only out of 
custom, or for fashion's sake. As you go to Church, bethink 
yourself whither you are going, and what you are to do there ; 
so that, laying aside all other business, you may gain a right 
temper for so great a work. 

II. Frequent the public prayers of the Church as often as you 
conveniently can. The oftener you are at them, the better you 
will like them, and the more edified you will be by them. 

III. If possible, come always at the beginning of Divine service. 
If you do not, you will certainly miss something that might 
have been edifying to you, all the parts of it being linked to- 
gether in so excellent a manner and method, that they influence 
and assist each other. 

IV. Carry yourself as in the special presence of God all the 
time you are in his house, and attend strictly to the work in which 
you are engaged. For instance, stand whilst you praise God, 
kneel when you pray to Him, &c. For though these may seem 
but little things in themselves, yet they are of great consequence 
both to our worshipping God aright, and to our being benefited 
by what we do. 

V. Take special care throughout the service to keep your 
minds intent upon the matter in hand. When you confess your 
sins to God, do it with a hearty and sincere repentance for all 
the errors of your past life. When the absolution is pronounced, 
receive it with a firm and stedfast faith in Christ our Saviour. 
When you repeat, or sing the hymns or psalms, raise up your 
spirits as high as you can, that you may join with those above, 
praising and magnifying the eternal God. When the word of 
God is read, hearken diligently unto it, consider seriously what 
He who made you says to you, and requires of you, and re- 
solve, by his blessing, to believe and live accordingly. And 
when you are upon your knees, putting up your petitions to 



64 Rules, fyc. 

the Most High God, let your whole souls be employed in it, 
earnestly desiring the good things you pray for at his gracious 
hands, and humbly trusting in his faithful promises to grant 
whatever is for your good. By this means you will perform a 
reasonable service unto God, and by consequence, a service 
which will be at once very acceptable unto Him, and very 
profitable and edifying to you. 

Observe these plain and necessary Rules in using the Com- 
mon Prayer ; as without them, you cannot be truly said to use, 
but rather to abuse it. 



Let the young persons who are to be instructed be made suf- 
ficiently familiar with the above Rules to know their substance, 
and let those parts which are printed in Italics be committed 
to memory, as also the following prayers. 



A suitable prayer before Public Worship, when first entering 
Church. 

O Lord, I am now in thy house. Assist, I pray Thee, and 
accept my services. Enable me, and all those who shall this 
day meet in thy name, to worship Thee in spirit and in truth. 
Let thy Holy Spirit help mine infirmities, and dispose my heart 
to seriousness, attention, and devotion ; and grant that I may 
improve this opportunity to the honour of thy holy name, and 
the benefit of my soul, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



A suitable Prayer after Public Worship, before leaving the 
Church. 

O God, the fountain of all wisdom, grant me grace to re- 
member what I have now heard, and so give thy blessing on 
my prayers, that I may be strengthened to put away all sin. 
May I learn to love my Saviour, and follow his steps in the way 
that leadeth to heaven, through the same Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

THE END. 



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